IMPHAL, Sept 14: Manipur Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam on Sunday said violence would not be allowed to derail the state’s path towards peace and normalcy, a day after four people were killed in separate attacks in Tamenglong and Noney districts.
Reacting to the killings, Konthoujam said the government would take firm action against those responsible and directed authorities to establish the facts behind the attacks. “Violence against innocent civilians is unacceptable and will be dealt with firmly,” he said in a post on X.
The minister said he was “deeply anguished” by the attack at Tollen Kuki Village, where Lhingjangai Singsit was killed and her husband, Seineih Singsit, and infant son were injured after suspected militants opened fire at their residence. Seineih later succumbed to his injuries while being taken to a hospital in Silchar, Assam.
Konthoujam said he had directed the authorities to ascertain the facts, identify those responsible and ensure that the law took its course. He added that those behind the violence would be pursued in accordance with law and held accountable.
Four people, including two women, were killed in attacks reported from Tamenglong and Noney districts on Sunday. In another incident, a woman and a man were shot dead by armed militants at Longpi village under Nungba police station limits at around 3.30 pm.
The killings coincided with Sahnit Ni, or Black Day, observed by the Kuki community in Manipur on September 13 to remember victims of the Kuki-Naga conflict of the 1990s.
Konthoujam said the latest incidents should not undermine efforts to restore peace in the state and asserted that “no act of violence” would be allowed to derail Manipur’s path towards peace and normalcy.
