Nongshum killings: Ima Keithel vendors extend help
Samaiwadi Party slams Govt as Centre-controlled
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 23 2026:
The Roadside Vendors Welfare Association, Khwairamband Ima Keithel today visited the families of the three persons killed in the October 19 firing and extended monetary assistance.
The team, led by Association president Kshetri Tama, also met members of the JAC formed in connection with the incident.
It may be recalled that three persons were killed and several others injured after they were allegedly fired upon by Kuki militants on the morning of October 19 while collecting firewood at Nongshum, Khongban Sunurok Uyok Ching in Imphal East.
The deceased, Arubam Ronil and Lairenlakpam Inaobi were from Nongshum while Kshetrimayum Sushil was from Uyumpok.
Sharing the grief of the bereaved families, Kshetri Tama said if is very unfortunate that Kuki militants are given a free hand to attack and kill at will.
How many more deaths will the Government wait for, she questioned.
Stating that many of those killed in the conflict were daily wage earners who fed their families, she asked who will look after the young children left behind by the deceased.
Terming the Nongshum incident as highly unfortunate, she said it is unacceptable that people going out to collect firewood for their livelihood are killed.
Similar killings have also occurred in Bishnupur district during the conflict, she noted.
It is very unfortunate that even with Assam Rifles deployed and permission obtained, people cannot collect firewood and protect their sacred sites, she said, adding that the Government of India should not give Kuki militants the freedom to kill and abduct at will.
Asserting that it is time for Meiteis, Nagas and Meitei Pangals to work together to save Manipur, she called for strengthening unity to protect the State.
The Association will support any agitation launched by the JAC, she added.
It may be noted that Kshetri Tama had also visited the injured persons undergoing treatment in hospital on the day of the incident.
Meanwhile, Samajwadi Party state president Konthoujam Bishorjit, who also paid a condolence visit to the bereaved families on Thursday, said the present Government in Manipur is a Government only in name and is being run under the remote control of the Centre.
Stating that everyone knows what kind of Government is running in the State at present, he said people should abandon the mindset that it is not their family that has died or been ruined.
The cycle of Meiteis dying.
Nagas dying, Kukis dying will never bring peace in the State, he said.
If the conflict is to be controlled, there should be uniform enforcement of law in both hills and valley, he said, adding that if the hills are left free in the name of SoO and only the valley faces law enforcement, the conflict cannot be resolved.
He urged the Government to take concrete steps to ensure such incidents do not recur, saying blame games will not address the root cause.
If peace is to be restored in the State, a strong political will of the BJP's double-engine Government is needed, he said, adding that merely waiting for the Centre and trying to please the people will only increase chaos.
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