Manipur Paralyzed: Statewide Shutdown After Deadly Attack on Firewood Collectors
A statewide shutdown paralyzes Manipur after three firewood collectors were killed in Khongbal Tangkhul. Protests erupt and highways are blocked.
Normal life across Manipur came to a grinding halt on Tuesday as a massive Manipur statewide shutdown took hold, leaving markets, banks, and schools shuttered. The unrest was sparked by a brutal attack in the Khongbal Tangkhul area, where three men were killed and several others were left injured while collecting firewood.
Tragedy in Khongbal Tangkhul
The violence that triggered the current crisis resulted in the deaths of Lairenpakpam Inaobi Meitei (40), Aribam Noni Meetei (35), and Ksh. Sushil Singh (30). According to Phurailatpam Deban, Co-convenor of the Native People's Committee Manipur (NPCM), the victims were simply collecting firewood when they were targeted. Deban has attributed the attack to "Kuki narco-terrorists."
Strikes and Street Protests
The shutdown was orchestrated by two major groups: the Native People's Committee Manipur (NPCM) and Iramdam Kanba Lup (IKAL). The NPCM called for a 48-hour strike, while IKAL initiated a 32-hour protest, both starting at midnight on Monday, October 20, 2026.
The impact was felt immediately across the state. Public transport vanished from the streets, and private offices remained closed. In the Imphal East and Imphal West districts, the atmosphere turned volatile as protesters gathered in Kwakeithel, Chingmeirong, and Khurai Lamlong to burn tyres and vent their anger.
Clashes with Security Forces
Tensions escalated when a group of demonstrators attempted to carry the bodies of the deceased to the residence of Chief Minister Y Khemchand. This led to a confrontation with police, who utilized tear gas to disperse the crowd and prevent the procession from reaching the CM's home.
Political Fallout and Demands
The NPCM has launched a scathing attack on the state administration, alleging a total failure to protect its citizens. NPCM Convenor L Phaomei has issued a stern ultimatum, demanding the arrest of the killers within 48 hours. Furthermore, the organization is calling for the immediate resignations of:
- Chief Minister Y Khemchand
- Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam
- Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen
Security Operations Intensify
In response to the killings, a massive security operation has been launched. Joint teams consisting of the CRPF, BSF, and Assam Rifles are currently conducting combing operations in the Sunurok hill area. To track the armed groups responsible for the ambush, security forces are deploying drones and aerial surveillance.
A Region on Edge
This incident is the latest in a series of violent episodes in the region. ADGP Lhari Dorjee Lhatoo noted that the lead-up to the shutdown was marked by instability, including a clash in the Thoubal district and stone-pelting incidents at Khangabok Pali Bazar on October 18. Recent violence in the area has already claimed four lives and injured several people, including three members of the central security forces.
Adding to the chaos, Kuki civil society organizations have separately imposed a four-day blockade of National Highway 202. This shutdown, which is expected to last until midnight on October 22, 2026, is a protest against what they claim is a lack of sufficient security for their own communities.
While the state remains in turmoil, certain essential services—including media operations, fire services, and healthcare—have been exempted from the strike to ensure basic survival needs are met.