Manipur Ambush Kills 3, Bodies Taken to CM’s Residence Amid Protests

New Delhi, October 19, 2026 Three people were killed and three others injured after suspected militants opened fire on villagers collecting firewood along the Imphal East–Kangpokpi border in Manipur on Monday. The attack triggered widespread protests in Imphal, with residents bringing two victims’ bodies to Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh’s residence to protest the continuing violence in the state. The incident took place around 7 am at Khongbal Sunurok Uyok in Kangpokpi district, near Nongshum village in Imphal East. Officials said 16 people had gone to the nearby hills to collect firewood when the suspected militants attacked them. Three people remained missing following the incident. The deceased were identified as Arubam Ronil, 35, Lairenlakpam Inaobi, 51, and Kshetrimayum Sushil, 32. While Ronil and Inaobi died at the spot, Sushil succumbed to his injuries at a private hospital in Imphal. The three injured victims were identified as N Suraj, 19, Meisnam Somendro, 53, and K Bosan, 45. Recalling the attack, an injured survivor said, "While we were loading the firewood, we were suddenly fired upon." Angry residents brought two bodies to the main gate of the chief minister’s residence in Babupara. Police fired several rounds of tear gas shells to disperse the protesters, after which the bodies were taken to the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS). Security was subsequently tightened around the chief minister’s residence and nearby routes. Protests also spread to Khurai Lamlong, where demonstrators blocked a road, while women staged a protest at Ema Keithel market. Shops and markets across Imphal shut down following the incident. Chief Minister Khemchand Singh visited the injured at a private hospital but did not respond to media queries. The attack has intensified public anger over the security situation as authorities face renewed concerns over civilian safety in Manipur.