Protests in Imphal’s Keishamthong area are ongoing following the tragic bomb attack in Tronglaobi, which resulted in the deaths of two minor siblings. The demonstration is primarily driven by the demand for justice related to the incident that took place on April 7, which claimed the lives of a five-year-old boy and his five-month-old sister. The public is seeking accountability for their deaths and is demanding action against those responsible.

The bomb was reportedly hurled towards the family’s home around 1:00 am, injuring their mother at the same time. As the protests have intensified, the agitation has spread to various districts, leading to a five-day statewide shutdown disrupting normal life throughout the region.

During these demonstrations, protestors have been vocal in their grievances, holding banners and chanting slogans that specifically target Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh. They allege involvement by “Kuki militants” in the violent act and are urging the government to take immediate steps to secure justice.

Meira Paibi Lup Calls for Swift Action

The Meira Paibi Lup, a women’s organisation, is at the forefront of these protests, intensifying their calls for the capture of those responsible for the attack by April 25. The group has played a significant role in mobilising community action and has insisted that justice must be served without further delay.

Coinciding with this pressure, the statewide shutdown has effectively paralysed daily activities, resulting in the closure of markets and a cessation of commercial transport across major districts. This action demonstrates the public’s unity in demanding justice for the deceased siblings.

To address the unrest, security forces have heightened their presence in sensitive areas within the state. The Rapid Action Force (RAF) has been deployed to manage the situation, particularly in response to clashes that have occurred in various locations. The use of crowd control measures, including tear gas and stun grenades, has been implemented during protests that escalated significantly over the past few days.

Security Concerns Amid Rising Violence

In light of increasing violence associated with the demonstrations, the Manipur Police have issued warnings regarding “anti-social elements” allegedly infiltrating the protests. They claim these groups are using the cover of peaceful rallies to conduct violent activities and to launch targeted assaults on security personnel.

Superintendent of Police Ksh Shivakanta Singh provided insight into this disturbing trend, stating that while the majority of participants are genuinely seeking justice during “Meira rallies,” a faction is using this communal solidarity as a guise for unlawful actions. Reports indicate incidents involving petrol bombs and stone-pelting aimed at security forces, raising concerns about safety and order.

The superintendent also highlighted that some participants have been observed under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicants, complicating the situation. The police are actively working to identify and manage these elements to restore peace while continuing to address the public’s demands for justice in the tragic incident.

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