Violence Erupts in Manipur as Protesters Clash with Police

Protests Turn Violent in Bishnupur District

Imphal/Bishnupur, Apr 7: A violent clash erupted in Manipur’s Bishnupur district on Tuesday, resulting in at least four individuals suffering serious injuries due to police gunfire after a large group of protesters stormed a security forces camp.

The confrontation took place near Tronglaobi, where demonstrators reportedly breached a central forces camp situated approximately 200 meters away, causing significant damage to the facility. Several vehicles within the camp were also set ablaze, according to police reports.

Authorities confirmed that four individuals were injured by gunfire and were promptly transported to local hospitals. However, there are concerns that some of the injured may not survive.

As of the latest updates, there has been no official confirmation regarding any fatalities.

This outbreak of violence follows a period of unrest triggered by the deaths of two minors in a suspected mortar explosion in the same district earlier that night.

Earlier on the same day, a remote-controlled improvised explosive device (IED), believed to have been planted by Kuki militants, was discovered and safely defused by the Bomb Disposal Squad of the state police around 11:36 AM, preventing a potential disaster.

Sources suggest that the IED had been placed the previous day.

In response to the escalating tensions, protests intensified throughout Bishnupur and other districts, with demonstrators blocking major roads and setting tires on fire.

In Bishnupur, particularly in areas like Kha Potsangbam and along the Imphal–Moirang road, many protesters, including a significant number of women, obstructed the movement of security personnel.

Daily life faced severe disruptions, with shops, markets, and schools closing across the Imphal valley districts.

Protests were also reported in Imphal East, particularly in Khurai, Wamgkhei, and Yairipok, while agitation occurred in Imphal West in areas like Kwakeithel and Thangmeiband.

In light of the potential for further unrest, authorities imposed a three-day suspension of mobile internet and data services across five valley districts: Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Kakching, and Bishnupur.

This decision, announced by the Home Department on April 7, aims to prevent the misuse of social media for spreading inflammatory messages and inciting unrest.

Chief Minister Y. Khemchand Singh condemned the killings of the two children, assuring that those responsible would be identified and prosecuted under the law. He emphasized, “Let there be no doubt, those responsible will be hunted down.”

In an effort to manage the volatile situation, security measures have been heightened across the region, with additional forces deployed.