Markets in Manipur, including the main business hub Kwaramband Keithel, shut down on Sunday in response to a cease-work call by a committee formed after the killing of 13 youths in Tengnoupal district on December 4, as reported by Newmai News Network.
The ‘Mangani Leihul’ ritual for the deceased youths, murdered between Leithao and Moltham villages, was held at Tarongthel in Imphal East district. Thousands attended, including family members, relatives, and leaders from various organizations. The event, organized by the Athouba 13 Ningshing Thouram Committee, saw floral tributes and religious rituals.
In response to the committee’s call, major markets, including Khwairamband Keithel, suspended operations. The shutdown extended to busy streets in the capital city, with shops and business establishments in Paona Bazar and Thangal Bazar remaining closed for the day.
It may be recalled that on 4 December, a tragedy struck in Tengnoupal district when security forces received reports of a firefight between two militant groups at Leithu village near Saibol around noon.
According to reports, security forces stationed approximately 10 km away swiftly responded, discovering 13 bodies in Leithu village upon arrival. Notably, no weapons were found next to the deceased. An officer familiar with the situation suggested that the victims may not be from Leithu and could have engaged in a firefight after arriving from another location.
Following this, on 8 December, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) issued a notice to the Manipur government over the deaths of at least 13 people in a gunfight at Leithao village near Saibol in Tengnoupal district, stating that it is the highest single-day loss of life in the violence since it erupted in Manipur in May of this year.
Earlier today, the Revolutionary People’s Front – the political wing of proscribed Meitei insurgent group People’s Liberation Army (PLA) – has claimed that the 13 men, who were found dead after a gunfight in Tengnoupal district earlier this week, were new recruits of the PLA who joined it after the outbreak of the conflict “discontented” with a “communal policy” towards the conflict.