Ongoing Night Protests in Manipur Lead to Clashes with Security Forces
Protests Erupt in Manipur Amid Curfew
Women participate in a candlelight vigil in Imphal on Sunday night. (AT Photo)
Imphal, Apr 20: Protests continued to disrupt various areas of Manipur on Sunday night, as large crowds defied curfew orders and took to the streets, leading to renewed clashes with law enforcement.
Significant demonstrations were observed in Koirengei (Imphal East), Uripok (Imphal West), and Kakching district, where protesters marched late into the night with torches, chanting slogans.
Initially peaceful, the protests escalated into violence as the night wore on, resulting in multiple confrontations.
In response, security forces deployed tear gas, mock bombs, and conducted lathi charges to disperse the crowds.
Authorities noted a “deteriorating law and order situation,” citing an increase in violence during the nighttime protests.
Shivkanta Singh, Superintendent of Police for Imphal West, indicated that anti-social elements were taking advantage of the protests to target security personnel with iron projectiles, catapults, boulders, and petrol bombs.
He emphasized that police would intensify enforcement against those engaging in violent acts while working to restore peace.
Singh also mentioned that many protesters appeared to be under the influence of alcohol or other substances.
“It has been revealed that some instigators are allegedly providing petrol or kerosene bombs, catapults, and iron projectiles prior to these rallies,” he stated during a press briefing.
21 Arrested for Violence in Sagolband
In a related incident, law enforcement reported the arrest of at least 21 individuals for their involvement in violence during a rally in Sagolband, Imphal West, on April 18.
The detainees include residents from various localities such as Sagolband, Tera, Uripok, Brahmapur, Langthabal, Nagamapal, Naoremthong, and Thangmeiband.
According to police, the April 18 rally escalated into violence, with mobs engaging in stone pelting, using petrol bombs, catapults, and boulders, resulting in injuries to several security personnel.
Three members of the 232 Battalion of the CRPF suffered serious injuries, and official vehicles were damaged during the unrest.
Arrest of Arambai Tenggol Member
Separately, authorities apprehended an individual for allegedly sharing provocative and inflammatory posts on social media that could incite public disorder.
Police reported that a Facebook account named “Meetei Nongsa Lamyanba” had disseminated content containing threats and calls for violence. In connection with this, Tensubam Lamyanba Meitei, a 23-year-old from Imphal East and a member of Arambai Tenggol, was arrested.
Law enforcement has issued a warning that strict legal action will be taken against anyone attempting to incite violence or disrupt communal harmony through social media or other channels.