INDIA Bloc Delegation Meets Manipur Governor, Seeks Arrest of Khongbal Attack Suspects and Time-Bound Restoration of Peace
A delegation of the INDIA Bloc, Manipur, led by Congress president and former Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh, along with Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader Keisham Meghachandra Singh, met Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla at Raj Bhavan in Imphal on Tuesday and submitted a memorandum seeking urgent intervention to address the continuing violence in the state.
The memorandum expressed grave concern over the unabated killings, arson, abductions and displacement in Manipur since May 3, 2023. It particularly highlighted the reported killing of three Meitei civilians and grievous injuries to three others in an alleged attack by Kuki militants at the Khongbal Sunurok Uyok hill range under Sagolmang Police Station in Imphal East district on October 19, 2026.
The delegation urged the Governor to intervene in the prevailing crisis, ensure accountability for the perpetrators and take measures to restore peace and the rule of law across the state.
Expressing concern over the continuing insecurity despite the formation of the government headed by Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on February 4, 2026, the memorandum stated that repeated incidents of killings, abductions and arson continued to pose a serious threat to public safety. It also questioned the government’s claims of restored normalcy, citing the continued loss of civilian lives and the displacement of thousands of families.
The INDIA Bloc sought the immediate identification, arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the Khongbal attack through a thorough, impartial and time-bound investigation. It called for strengthened security arrangements in vulnerable areas, effective coordination among security forces and protection for civilians irrespective of community.
The memorandum also demanded strict and impartial enforcement of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) ground rules, including the confinement of cadres to designated camps and effective monitoring to prevent their involvement in unlawful activities. It called for lawful action against unauthorised possession and movement of weapons, including the recovery and seizure of illegally held arms.
Further, the delegation urged the government to formulate and implement a clear, comprehensive and time-bound action plan for restoring lasting peace and normalcy. The plan, it said, should include the protection of vulnerable communities, rehabilitation and resettlement of displaced persons, and measures to facilitate the safe and dignified return of affected families to their homes.
The memorandum also referred to other incidents of violence, including the reported killings of three Thadou missionaries near Kotlen; six Naga persons at Leilon Vaiphei; killings in Ukhrul and Kamjong districts allegedly involving KNF(B) cadres operating across the Myanmar border; and the reported killing and beheading of Liangmei Naga persons at Makui.
Stressing the need for decisive and accountable action, the INDIA Bloc appealed to the Governor to exercise his constitutional authority to ensure the protection of life and property, justice for the victims, effective enforcement of the rule of law and restoration of lasting peace in Manipur.
The delegation included former MPCC president Moirangthem Okendro Singh; former ministers Dr. Kh. Ratankumar, A.K. Mirabai Devi, Dr. Kh. Loken Singh and Moirangthem Hemanta Singh; MPCC vice-president Tilotama Loitongbam; MPCC treasurer Md. Fajur Rahim; and other party office-bearers and representatives of constituent INDIA Bloc parties, including CPI(M), RSP, AIFB, AITC, NCP and Shiv Sena (UBT).
The memorandum was signed by Okram Ibobi Singh, Kshetrimayum Santa, Sam Laithangbam, Khomdram Gyaneswor, Thokchom Inaocha Singh, R.K. Amusana Singh, Bishwanath Thingnam, Soram Iboyaima Singh and Kangjam Manoranjan, representing their respective political parties.