The demonstration followed criticism of the government’s alleged failure to restore peace and protect civilians after an attack that killed three youths and injured three others.

The protest was organised by Uyumpok Mamang Leikai Nupi, Lamjing Lup, and Uyumpok Mamang Leikai Welfare Youth Club, which held a press conference at Uyumpok Mamang Leikai on the morning of October 20 to condemn the October 19 incident.

Rosa, a cousin of one of the victims, Ksh. Sushil, expressed doubt about the government’s security management and called for urgent steps to prevent further attacks. She stated, “Despite assurances of restoring normalcy, several areas continue to face security concerns, with the region among those severely affected by the prolonged crisis.” Rosa also alleged that the recent attack at Nongshum was carried out by Kuki militants and questioned the government’s capacity to prevent repeated assaults despite reported improvements in security conditions.

Protesters criticised the government’s failure to safeguard innocent villagers, many of whom serve as family breadwinners. They requested the withdrawal of central security forces from the affected areas and called for increased deployment of Manipur Police personnel to strengthen local security.

Local residents and victims’ families joined the press conference to voice their distress and demand accountability from officials. A delegation from Khongbal Tangkhul Villagers, Women Organisation and Students Organisation, led by Village Chief Akhil Zimik, visited the victims’ families and participated in the protest.

The protesters insisted on urgent government action to ensure civilians in violence-affected areas can live without fear.

A recent wave of violence across Manipur has resulted in four deaths and numerous injuries, including three central security personnel, according to state police. The violence followed communal clashes, an improvised explosive device blast, and an armed ambush on villagers.

Additional Director General of Police Lhari Dorjee Lhatoo addressed the state’s law enforcement and security situation in a press conference. He outlined a series of violent incidents beginning on October 18, including a late-night clash in Thoubal district.

Speaking on the night incident, Lhatoo said, “This is regarding a series of unfortunate incidents which have occurred on the 18th of October and today also. In the first incident last night at around 11:20 pm, tension erupted between two communities following a stone-pelting incident by unidentified persons during a musical night at Khangabok Pali Bazar under Thoubal police station.”

He added that during another incident in Thoubal district, one person was killed and several others injured following a clash between two communities during a musical programme at Cherapur in Khangabok. Four houses and shops were set on fire and a vehicle was damaged.