The JAC has rejected invitations to meet Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh at his office or residence, insisting that he visit the homes of the three civilians killed near Nongshum. The committee says its indefinite shutdown will continue until he fulfils the demand.
BY PC Bureau
October 25, 2026 — A Joint Action Committee (JAC) formed after the killing of three Meitei civilians near Nongshum has called an indefinite general strike from Monday after Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh failed to meet its 5 pm deadline to visit the victims’ families.
The JAC said the shutdown would continue until the Chief Minister personally visits the homes of the deceased in Nongshum, in Imphal East district. The committee and the bereaved families have rejected invitations to meet him at his office or official residence, insisting that he visit their locality instead.
The demand has intensified pressure on the Manipur government following the October 19 killings, which triggered protests across the Imphal Valley and renewed concerns over civilian security in vulnerable areas.
The victims were identified as Arubam Ronil, around 35, Lairenlakpam Inaobi, 44, and Kshetrimayum Sushil, 32. They were killed when armed assailants opened fire on a group collecting firewood near Nongshum and Khongbal Tangkhul, along the Imphal East–Kangpokpi periphery. Others were injured in the attack.
The killings sparked widespread anger. Protesters brought the victims’ bodies to the gates of the Manipur Chief Minister’s bungalow in Imphal, prompting police intervention and tighter security around the residence.
#breaking Total Shutdown declared across Manipur from tomorrow.
The shutdown will not be withdrawn until Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand visits Nongshum and meets the family of the deceased: JAC
#cmkhemchand #ManipurCrisis #khamenlok #ManipurProtests https://t.co/8FK5KDhH0C
— Poknapham / The People’s Chronicle (@PoknaphamNews) October 25, 2026
Khemchand Singh condemned the killings, visited the injured at Raj Medicity hospital and chaired a high-level security review meeting. He also directed security agencies to strengthen measures in vulnerable areas and assured government assistance with medical expenses.
The JAC, however, has maintained that these steps do not meet its demand for a personal visit to the victims’ homes.
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JAC questions visit to SoO camp
The committee has also expressed dissatisfaction over the Chief Minister’s visit to the Sinai Suspension of Operations (SoO) camp while he has yet to visit the families of the slain civilians.
A JAC co-convenor warned of intensified public agitation if the deadline was not met. The committee said its indefinite strike would remain in force until the Chief Minister fulfils the demand.
The JAC has announced that the strike will begin on Monday, October 26. The extent of exemptions for essential services was not immediately clear.
Fresh pressure amid prolonged conflict
The latest mobilisation comes against the backdrop of the ethnic conflict that erupted in Manipur in May 2023 between Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities. Violence, displacement and competing security demands have continued to strain relations between the valley and hill areas.
The Nongshum killings have prompted fresh protests and demands for stronger security action. Other organisations, including the Native People Committee Manipur, have also called for measures against unauthorised armed camps and sought clarity on the future of the SoO arrangement.
The JAC’s strike call underscores growing public pressure on the state government to demonstrate accountability and provide reassurance to families affected by violence.
The Chief Minister’s office had not publicly responded to the JAC’s ultimatum by Sunday evening. Security forces remained on alert as the state braced for the shutdown.
