Fresh protests in Imphal have intensified calls for peace and accountability following the killing of three civilians near Sunulok Hill. A torch rally led by Meira Paibi groups condemned the violence, demanded justice for the victims and urged authorities to ensure civilian safety and facilitate the safe return of internally displaced families.
BY PC Bureau
October 24, 2026: Protests continued in Imphal over the killing of three civilians near Sunulok Hill, with Meira Paibi activists and other residents taking to the streets late in the evening to demand peace, accountability and the return of internally displaced persons (IDPs) to their homes.
Thousands of people joined demonstrations, raising slogans such as “We want peace” and demanding that displaced families be allowed to return home. The protests reflect growing public anger over the October 19 attack, in which three civilians collecting firewood were killed and three others injured.
In a torch rally organised jointly by the Laipham Khunou, Sangakpham, Chingmeirong and Kontha Ahallup Meira Paibi groups, women activists and other participants marched through Khuman Lampak and Mao Market before returning to Laipham Khunou along National Highway 2. The procession condemned the killings and called for effective measures to protect civilians.
The demonstrations come amid mounting criticism of the authorities over continuing insecurity and questions about the protection available to people living in vulnerable areas. The killings have triggered a series of protests, shutdowns and public demonstrations across the Imphal Valley.
Manipur, India.
Thousands of citizens come on streets. Shouting slogans like, we want peace, IDPs should be sent back to their homes.
#Manipur #Peace https://t.co/eZ35nTEuka— huidrom athouba (@HuidromAthouba) October 24, 2026
The victims of the October 19 attack were identified as Arubam Ronil, 35, Lairenlakpam Inaobi, 57, and Kshetrimayum Sushil, 32. They were reportedly collecting firewood in the Khongban Sunurok Uyok hill range when unidentified armed men opened fire. Three other people were injured.
The killings prompted widespread outrage in imphal valley. Protesters brought the bodies of two victims to the residence of Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, demanding action against those responsible and stronger security for civilians. Authorities subsequently stepped up deployments and operations in affected areas.
The attack has intensified public scrutiny of the state government’s handling of security, with demonstrators questioning how civilians could be killed despite the presence of state and central security forces.
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Meira Paibi groups lead Imphal Protest
Meira Paibi groups, whose members have historically played a prominent role in community mobilisation in Manipur, have joined the protests demanding peace and accountability.
The latest torch rally follows other demonstrations in the state capital. On October 21, hundreds of people rallied from Keikol towards Koirengei, condemning the killings and demanding Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh’s resignation. Protesters questioned the government’s assurances about civilian safety and called for more effective security measures.
A joint action committee formed after the October 19 killings has also called for continued agitation until the authorities take decisive action. Its demands include justice for the victims and measures to prevent further attacks.
The protests have brought together different sections of civil society, reflecting the depth of public anger over the killings and the wider security situation.
Return of displaced families among key demands
Alongside demands for justice, demonstrators are calling for internally displaced persons to be allowed to return to their homes safely. Displacement remains one of the most consequential effects of the ethnic conflict that erupted in Manipur in May 2023, leaving thousands of people unable to return to their original homes.
The demand for a safe return highlights the continuing gap between calls for normalcy and the realities faced by families who remain displaced or fear renewed violence. Protesters are seeking not only an end to attacks but also security guarantees that would enable affected residents to resume their lives.
The situation remains politically sensitive, with competing demands over security arrangements, the treatment of armed groups and the future of the state’s peace process.
Pressure mounts on government to restore confidence
The continuing demonstrations have increased pressure on the state government to demonstrate that it can protect civilians, investigate the killings and prevent further violence.
Security agencies have said operations are continuing in affected areas. However, public anger has persisted, with protest organisers demanding accountability and more decisive action.
The latest protests underscore the fragility of the security situation in Manipur. For those on the streets, the demands are immediate: justice for the three civilians killed at Sunulok Hill, protection against further attacks, a return to peace and the safe rehabilitation of displaced families.
