Daijiworld Media Network - Imphal

Imphal, Oct 26: Manipur chief minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Monday visited the families of three Meitei firewood collectors killed in an ambush by suspected armed militants and assured them of all possible assistance from the state government.

A senior official of the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) said Khemchand Singh visited Nongshum in Imphal East district and met the bereaved families of Arubam Ronil, Lairenlakpam Inaobi and Kshetrimayum Sushil, who were ambushed near the border of Imphal East and Kangpokpi districts on October 19.

The Chief Minister expressed his heartfelt condolences to the families and assured them that the government stands firmly with them and would extend all possible assistance.

He also met representatives of the Joint Action Committee (JAC) and patiently heard their concerns and demands for justice. Khemchand Singh assured them that all legitimate demands would be examined with utmost sincerity.

MLAs Kh. Ibomcha Singh and Thokchom Lokeshwar Singh accompanied the Chief Minister during his meeting with the bereaved families.

After returning from Nongshum, Khemchand Singh visited a private hospital at North AOC in Imphal along with Lamlai MLA Kh. Ibomcha Singh to enquire about the condition of two civilians injured in the October 19 attack.

He directed the hospital authorities to ensure the best possible medical care for the injured and wished them a speedy and complete recovery.

Manipur Home Minister Konthoujam Govindas Singh had earlier said that joint teams of Central and state security forces were continuing search operations to arrest all those involved in the killing of the three Meitei men in Kangpokpi district.

Various organisations have been staging protests across the Imphal Valley since last week, condemning the killings and demanding justice, peace and normalcy in the state.

The protests have continued amid a shutdown across the region, which comprises five districts — Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal, Bishnupur and Kakching — predominantly inhabited by the Meitei community.