India’s Manipur state is in turmoil over the brutal killing of three people collecting firewood. A 48-hour general strike is under way across the state demanding justice for the three civilians and security, bringing public life to a complete halt.
The attack took place on Sunday, 18 October, in the foothills of the Uyumpok and Nongshum areas of Imphal East district while they were collecting firewood. The dead have been named as Lairenpakpam Inaobi Meitei, 40, and Oribam Noni Meitei, 35, of Nongshum, and Kshetrimayum Sushil Singh, 30, of Uyumpok Mamang Leikai. Several others were injured.
The Native People Committee Manipur (NPC) called the strike in protest at the killings and to demand punishment for the armed group involved. Supporters of the strike picketed from the morning in areas including Kanchipur, Khurai and Patsoi.
Earlier, grieving villagers and family members brought the bodies of the two women directly to the residence of Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh in an emotional protest demanding justice. Police detained several people over the incident but later released them.
An opposition delegation has already met the chief minister to demand that the situation be brought under control and security ensured. Emergency services, health care and religious activities have been kept outside the strike so that people can move about.
বাংলায় মূল প্রতিবেদন পড়ুন · Read the original Bengali report