IMPHAL, June 20: The Thadou Students’ Association (TSA), strongly condemned the two recent incidents of violence in Manipur—one involving the shooting of a farmer in Bishnupur district and the other, the fatal shooting of a civilian woman in Churachandpur district.

In a statement issued on Friday, TSA expressed outrage over the violence at Phubala, Bishnupur, which left a local farmer, Ningthoujam Biren Singh of Phubala Awang Maning Leikai, injured after he was shot while working in his paddy field.

Even more alarming, according to the TSA, was the killing of Mrs. Hoikholhing Haokip, wife of the village chief of Langchingmanbi in Kangvai Sub-Division, Churachandpur district. She was reportedly shot at point-blank range during a retaliatory operation by security forces. “If proven true, this act constitutes a grave violation,” stated the TSA.

The student body expressed “deep sorrow and solidarity” with the victims and their families and raised serious concerns over the “continued militarization of civilian zones” in Manipur, even after the imposition of President’s Rule in February 2025. TSA asserted that this militarization endangers innocent lives and undermines the sovereignty of the Indian state, while questioning the integrity of the security forces and the effectiveness of the President’s Rule under the Hon’ble Governor of Manipur.

“The softness of state response has shaken public confidence and contributed to a growing loss of hope in the government’s ability to safeguard its own citizens,” the statement continued.

In light of these developments, TSA made the following three-point appeal to the state government:

1. Constitute a time-bound judicial inquiry into the twin incidents. If necessary, transfer the case to a neutral central agency such as the CBI or NIA for an impartial, independent, and transparent investigation.
2. Ensure accountability of the security personnel involved by suspending them pending investigation. TSA also urged the government to conduct an immediate security review to protect farmers and civilians, especially in conflict-prone areas.
3. Provide fair compensation and medical care to the victims and their families.

Calling for restraint, the TSA appealed to all communities in Manipur to “maintain peace and unity.” The association also issued a warning against spreading unverified information: “We caution the public and the media against circulating unverified information that could incite further unrest.”

“We reiterate our firm commitment to justice, peace, and the protection of human rights for all communities in Manipur,” the statement concluded.