Tensions Escalate in Manipur Following Bomb Attack on Home
Tensions Rise in Bishnupur District After Tragic Incident
Following a bomb attack on a residence in Bishnupur district, which resulted in the deaths of two innocent children, the situation in the valley districts of Manipur has become extremely tense. On Thursday, thousands of residents in Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Kakching, and Bishnupur defied curfews and took to the streets. Protesters expressed their anger by burning tires and setting up barricades. In Imphal West's Tidim Line, hundreds rallied under the banner of the 'All Manipur United Clubs Organization' (AMUCO), marching from their office near Kwakeithel to condemn the killings and demand the immediate arrest of those responsible.
Children Join Protests Demanding Justice
Many children carrying posters of the deceased minors participated in the rally, but security forces prevented them from advancing near Kwakeithel. Subsequently, representatives from AMUCO were taken to meet Chief Minister N. Biren Singh to voice their concerns. The tragic incident occurred on April 7, when suspected militants threw a bomb at a house in Tronglaobi, resulting in the deaths of a five-year-old boy and his six-month-old sister.
Violence Erupts as Protests Intensify
Immediately after the attack, a crowd of around 500 protesters stormed a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) camp located a few hundred meters from Tronglaobi, vandalizing property and setting security vehicles ablaze. In the ensuing chaos, police gunfire resulted in the deaths of three protesters and injuries to 30 others. On Thursday, hundreds of protesters also attempted to approach the Chief Minister's official residence in Samuro, Imphal West, but were met with police resistance.
Widespread Protests Across the Region
Protesters in Bishnupur district set tires ablaze and obstructed vehicle movement in Moirang Lamkhai and Ningthoukhong. Similar incidents of tire burning were reported from parts of Imphal East, Khurai, Thoubal, and Kakching districts. Clashes occurred on Wednesday night in Khurai Lamlong, where protesters clashed with security forces, leading to the use of tear gas to disperse the crowd. Earlier, during operations following the Tronglaobi incident, police arrested three suspected members of the United Kukis National Army. However, it remains unconfirmed whether these individuals were directly linked to the bombing.