Three killed in attack on firewood collectors in Manipur

Three villagers were killed in an attack on firewood collectors near the Imphal East and Kangpokpi district border on October 19, prompting protests in Imphal and a security response by Manipur’s chief minister. Officials said three others were injured and three people were missing after the attack. Police had not identified the attackers, and responsibility has not been established. The victims were identified as Arubam Ronil, 35, Lairenlakpam Inaobi, 51, and Kshetrimayum Sushil, 32. Ronil and Inaobi died at the scene, while Sushil later died at a hospital, according to officials. An injured survivor told PTI that the group was fired upon while loading firewood. Officials said the collectors had gone into the hills near their village. Accounts differed on the group’s size: officials in some reports said 16 people went to collect firewood, while Additional Director General of Police Lhari Dorjee Lhatoo said 14 villagers were involved. Reports said three people remained missing. The police were investigating the attack. Residents brought two victims’ bodies to the gate of Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh’s residence in Imphal. Police used tear gas to disperse the crowd,...