Intense Clashes Erupt in Imphal During Protest March

On April 25, significant protests erupted in Imphal, led by the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), resulting in clashes with security forces. The rally aimed to address pressing issues such as narco-terrorism and the need for a judicial inquiry into recent violence. As tensions escalated, many protesters were injured, and normal life in the city was disrupted. COCOMI's spokesperson emphasized the urgency for government action on these matters, warning of intensified protests if demands are not met. The situation reflects growing public frustration over unresolved issues and calls for justice.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 25, 2026, 18:09 IST

Protests in Imphal Lead to Confrontations

Tensions escalated at multiple points as security personnel attempted to control the advancing crowd, leading to clashes.

Imphal, Apr 25: Significant confrontations were reported throughout Imphal, particularly in areas like Keisampat, Lamlong, and Ima Keithel, on Saturday during a march organized by the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI). Numerous individuals were reportedly injured during the events.

The rally commenced around 1 PM from eight different locations, aiming towards the Chief Minister’s residence. However, tensions flared at various points as security forces attempted to manage the advancing crowd, resulting in clashes.

In the vicinity of the overbridge, police allegedly granted protesters a 10-minute window to disperse, which they declined. The situation worsened with reports of mob violence in the Ima Keithel and Alu Gali areas, where an unidentified person was reportedly attacked.

In response, security personnel deployed tear gas to disperse the crowd. Several protesters were apprehended, and items like slings and catapults were found with individuals hiding in the women’s market complex.

Sources indicated that numerous protesters suffered injuries during the confrontations, although the precise number remains unverified.

Daily life in Imphal was significantly disrupted, with markets and businesses closing around 1 PM.

COCOMI stated that the purpose of the rally was to demand answers from the government regarding critical issues, including alleged ‘proxy wars’, narco-terrorism, recent fatalities, a judicial inquiry into the CRPF shooting that resulted in three deaths, the resettlement of internally displaced persons (IDPs), and the repeal of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement.

In a media interaction, COCOMI spokesperson Nahakpam Shanta noted that a large turnout was observed in response to recent events and developments since May 2023.

“COCOMI has been leading protests on various issues, including the demand for the repeal of the SoO, action against alleged narco-terrorism, and justice for victims of incidents like the Tronglaobi attack, the CRPF shooting, and the ambush near Ukhrul Road,” Shanta stated.

He mentioned that the organization plans to submit a memorandum to the government, outlining demands such as the rehabilitation of IDPs, a judicial inquiry into the CRPF shooting, and decisive action against narco-terrorism.

Shanta also highlighted that previous commitments to resettle displaced individuals have not been honored and emphasized the urgency of addressing this issue before processes like the Census or NRC are initiated.

“Multiple memorandums and representations have been submitted, yet no clear action report has been provided thus far,” he remarked.

Expressing the need for a “clear and action-oriented response,” Shanta cautioned that COCOMI might escalate democratic protests if the government does not respond within a few days.

Adding to the public sentiment, resident Ajit Singh remarked that the protest was not anti-national but rather a quest for justice. He noted the community's suffering due to loss of lives and property, questioning the leadership's ongoing silence on these matters.

He urged the government to take tangible steps to resolve the situation and restore normalcy, warning that public frustration could continue if actions are delayed.