The Chingdai Committee has rejected Manipur Police’s statement linking three apprehended villagers to the Nongshum incident and demanded their immediate and unconditional release. The committee described the police statement as misleading and questioned the grounds for connecting the villagers to the October 19 killings.
The demand follows the detention of three men at S. Phailengkot on October 20 by a joint team involving Manipur Police, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and the CoBRA unit. Police have linked the men to an investigation into an attack that killed three civilians and injured three others near Nongshum.
Chingdai Committee Challenges Police Claims
In a statement issued on October 21, the Chingdai Area Core Committee (CACO) strongly disputed the police account. It maintained that the three men were village volunteers and questioned the evidence connecting them to the fatal shooting.
The committee also defended Seilal Haokip, one of the apprehended individuals. It described him as a civil society leader who had worked to improve relations between security personnel and local residents.
According to CACO, Haokip contributed to peacebuilding, reconciliation and rehabilitation efforts in the Chingdai area. The committee argued that authorities should recognise such efforts rather than treat him as guilty before the investigation establishes responsibility.
However, these claims represent the committee’s position. The allegations against the three men remain matters for investigators to examine, and the committee’s objections do not independently establish their innocence.
Nongshum Incident Leaves Three Civilians Dead
The Nongshum incident occurred on October 19, when armed assailants allegedly opened fire on civilians who had gone to collect firewood. Three people died, while three others sustained bullet injuries, according to reports on the police investigation.
The attack heightened tensions in the area along the boundary between Imphal East and Kangpokpi districts. It also renewed concerns about civilian safety amid Manipur’s continuing security challenges.
On October 20, police announced the apprehension of three suspects following a joint search operation involving security forces. Manipur Police said two of the men had admitted to being members of the assault team, while investigators were examining the role of the third.
Police also reported recovering a large cache of weapons and ammunition during the operation. These claims form part of the official account and remain distinct from the committee’s objections.
The competing positions have placed the investigation under close public scrutiny. Establishing individual responsibility through evidence remains essential to ensuring accountability for the killings.
Chingdai Committee Seeks Protection and Medical Care
Alongside the demand for release, the Chingdai Committee raised concerns about Haokip’s health. It said he had sustained an ear injury and was receiving medical treatment. The committee demanded that the government cover his medical expenses and ensure his safety.
CACO also called for the deployment of a full battalion of central security forces in Kuki-Zo settlement areas under the supervision of the Kangpokpi Superintendent of Police. It said stronger security arrangements would help residents carry out daily activities without fear.
Furthermore, the committee sought relief, rehabilitation and resettlement support for villagers who had left their homes because of insecurity. It said displaced families needed practical assistance to return to their villages and resume their livelihoods.
These demands reflect the committee’s wider concerns about protection and equal treatment. The government and security agencies have yet to be shown as having accepted all the requests.
Calls for Fair Investigation and Lasting Peace
The Chingdai Committee also questioned what it described as unequal security responses to incidents affecting different communities. It referred to earlier violence and alleged that residents had repeatedly sought protection without receiving adequate support.
Moreover, the committee urged communities to respect the security forces’ buffer zone. It argued that maintaining the arrangement could help prevent further confrontations while efforts toward a broader peace agreement continue.
The immediate dispute now centres on the evidence against the three apprehended men, their legal status and the investigation into the Nongshum killings. Authorities must examine the available evidence carefully and ensure that due process protects both the investigation and the rights of those detained.
Overall, the Chingdai Committee’s demand highlights the need for transparent policing, civilian protection and accountability in Manipur. A credible investigation into the Nongshum incident, alongside fair treatment for the apprehended villagers, will be important in addressing public concerns and reducing tensions.
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