Manipur police fire mock bombs to disperse Meira Paibis protesting taekwondo championship

Police fired mock bombs to disperse a group of Meira Paibis who staged a protest against the inauguration of the 1st Manipur State Poomsae Taekwondo Championship 2026 at Khuman Lampak Indoor Stadium, questioning the presence of Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh and the Home Minister amid the prevailing tension in the state.

The protesters reached the venue during the inauguration ceremony, objecting to the organisation of the sporting event following the attack at Khongban Sunurok. They questioned why the Chief Minister and the Home Minister were attending the programme while tensions continued in Manipur.

The situation escalated as the protesters attempted to storm the stadium and confronted security personnel deployed at the venue. Police subsequently fired mock bombs to disperse the demonstrators and prevent the situation from escalating further.

Following the dispersal of the protesting women, the championship resumed at the stadium.

The protest comes amid heightened tensions in Manipur following the attack at Khongban Sunurok, with the demonstrators questioning the decision to hold a public sporting event in the prevailing security situation.