On Tuesday, Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh met with opposition leaders from the India Bloc, including former Chief Minister and state Congress president Okram Ibobi Singh. The meeting focused on reviewing the current law and order situation following the killing of three civilians in Kangpokpi district by suspected militants.
Security Concerns and Political Response
The delegation expressed deep concern over the killing of the three individuals and urged the Chief Minister to convene an all-party meeting to discuss the deteriorating security situation and find ways to restore peace in the conflict-affected state. This appeal reflected growing unease over the state’s increasing violence.
Sharing details on social media, Khemchand Singh said the meeting reviewed the overall security scenario in light of the “tragic killing of three innocent civilians by armed miscreants.” The Chief Minister assured political representatives that their concerns were heard and emphasized that the incident would be thoroughly investigated.
The discussions also included collaborative efforts to maintain peace and return the state to normalcy. Khemchand Singh highlighted the importance of collective strategies among all stakeholders to stabilize the situation.
Opposition Criticism and Calls for Action
Speaking to the media after the meeting, senior Congress leader Okram Ibobi Singh questioned the moral right of the BJP-led government to remain in power amid ongoing violence and civilian deaths. He criticized the government for failing to contain the law and order breakdown in Manipur.
Ibobi Singh pointed out that multiple violent incidents have resulted in deaths across diverse communities, including Naga, Kuki, and Meitei groups. He stressed that it is the government’s fundamental responsibility to protect its citizens, questioning how long the cycle of killings could be tolerated.
The former Chief Minister also expressed frustration over the state government’s refusal to call an all-party meeting despite repeated demands. He stated that Congress and other India Bloc parties cannot remain silent on the government’s approach to managing the crisis.
He added that if the situation spirals further, opposition parties are prepared to appeal to the central government for support. He accused the center of being a mute spectator while violence continues unchecked and asserted that controlling armed groups roaming freely should take only a few days if the central government is committed.
On Monday, suspected militants killed three people collecting wood near Khongban Sunurok in the Kangpokpi district’s Nongsham area of Imphal East, escalating tensions further. This incident remains central to ongoing discussions on restoring security in Manipur.
