Protests continued in parts of Manipur on Tuesday over the Tronglaobi bomb attack, with demonstrators demanding justice for two minor siblings killed in the April 7 strike in Moirang’s Tronglaobi Awang Leikai area.
The unrest has now widened beyond one protest site, with the Meira Paibi Lup’s five-day shutdown affecting normal life across several districts. Roads, markets, shops and business establishments remained shut in many areas, while commercial vehicles largely stayed off the roads.
Protests continue as shutdown disrupts daily life
In Keishamthong and other parts of the state, protesters raised slogans and held banners as anger over the killings continued. Along Imphal Mayai Lambi, Heirangoithong and Singjamei, women and youths were on Monday seen blocking roads and checking vehicles as part of the agitation.
The shutdown was called by the Meira Paibi Lup, also known as the Women Torch Bearers, which has demanded that the government arrest those behind the attack by April 25.
Two siblings were killed in April 7 attack
The protest centres on the killing of a five-year-old boy and his five-month-old sister after suspected militants allegedly hurled a bomb at their residence around 1 am on April 7 while the family was asleep. Their mother was also injured in the attack.
During the demonstrations, protesters accused “Kuki militants” of being responsible for the killings and demanded immediate action.
Security tightened after clashes in Kakching
Security deployment has been stepped up in sensitive areas, with Rapid Action Force personnel also deployed after clashes were reported in several places.
On Sunday night, security forces used tear gas, smoke bombs and stun grenades to disperse protesters during a mass Meira torch rally in Kakching. The confrontation broke out after protesters, returning from the market, tried to move towards the Kakching DC office and were stopped by a large police contingent at the Kakching Keithel bridge.
As tensions rose, protesters allegedly responded with stone pelting and slingshots.
Several people were injured in the clash, including 35-year-old Irengbam Ranjita of Kakching Irum Mapal, who was hit by a tear gas shell. She was taken to Kakching District Hospital by an Indian Red Cross Society team. The identities of others injured had not yet been confirmed.
Police warn rallies are being misused
Amid the rising tensions, Manipur Police on Sunday issued a warning over what it described as a spike in violence during recent public demonstrations.
Superintendent of Police Ksh Shivakanta Singh said while many people were taking part in “Meira rallies” seeking justice, some groups were allegedly using the gatherings as cover for violence.
“Over the past few days, several Meira (Women Torch Bearers) rallies have been taking place in different parts of the city. However, in multiple instances, anti-social elements posing as protesters have engaged in violent activities. These include the use of petrol bombs, catapults fitted with iron projectiles, and stone pelting targeting security forces. Many participants in these rallies were found to be under the influence of liquor or other intoxicants,” he said.
Fresh anger after attack on passengers
The atmosphere has also been sharpened by another recent attack. On April 20, a sit-in protest was held at Khuman Lampak condemning the killing of unarmed civilians in recent attacks along the Imphal-Ukhrul road.
The protest was organised by Tangkhul Avenue Village, Khuman Lampak Apunba Association, and Nagaram Village. Protesters condemned the killing of two Tangkhul Naga passengers and injuries to several others in an ambush on National Highway 202 near TM Kasom in Ukhrul district on April 18.
They also denounced the April 7 killing of the two children, calling both incidents “barbaric acts against innocent civilians.”
Speaking to ANI, JK Raikhan, Chairman of Nagaram Village, said, “This is a twin incident protest. On April 7, two innocent children were killed, and on April 18, innocent Tangkhul passengers travelling from Imphal to Ukhrul were ambushed. Two people were killed on the spot, many were injured, and several vehicles were damaged.”
He also criticised the government’s response.
“We are not satisfied with the government’s response. Simply handing over the case to the NIA and announcing ex-gratia is not enough. It feels like a routine measure to suppress the issue,” he stated.
Raikhan further said, “Instead of only transferring cases, the government must provide adequate security to ensure safe movement of the public.”