Manipur Valley tense after protest rally; over 30 injured in clashes

Tension gripped the valley areas of Manipur after a massive protest rally turned volatile, leaving more than 30 protestors injured on April 25.

In a rare form of demonstration, protestors from Imphal East district marched while playing the state song “Sanaleibak Manipur,” expressing deep concern over the prolonged unrest in the state. Thousands of people from across the valley converged with the intent to march towards the Chief Minister’s bungalow and submit a memorandum containing seven key questions related to the ongoing conflict.

 

Anticipating escalation, security forces had put in place tight arrangements across strategic locations. Barricades were set up to prevent protestors from advancing further. Protestors coming from Imphal East were stopped at Khurai Lamlong and Palace Gate, while those from Tiddim Road were halted at Keishampat Junction. Another group marching from Uripok was stopped near Khwairamband Ima Market and Kangla Gate.

 

The protest initially remained peaceful, with representatives of Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity and other groups submitting their memorandum to Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh. However, the situation later escalated, prompting security forces to use tear gas to disperse the crowd.

 

Officials said over 30 protestors sustained injuries, most of them minor, as the rally turned tense. The overall situation in the valley continues to remain volatile.

 

Appealing for calm, the state government urged civil society organisations to resolve issues through dialogue. Addressing a press conference, the Chief Minister stressed that even major global conflicts like the Second World War ended through negotiations.

 

He said the ongoing unrest has affected all sections of society, especially daily wage earners and students, and called for cooperation between the public and the government to restore peace. “The government alone cannot bring peace. It requires support and coordination from the people and civil society,” he said.