Tension in Manipur’s Thoubal as protesters block roads ahead of CM's visit, security forces fire tear gas

Tension prevailed in parts of Manipur's Thoubal district on Tuesday, April 21 as protesters blocked key roads to obstruct the movement of the Chief Minister, who was scheduled to inaugurate the Wangjing Block Development Officer (BDO) office.

According to local sources, demonstrators set up road blockades along the Thoubal line in an attempt to prevent the Chief Minister from travelling to Wangjing. Anticipating disruptions, the Chief Minister travelled by helicopter from Imphal to Khongjom, a distance of around 30 kilometres, and then proceeded by road for a short stretch to reach the inauguration venue.

Despite the protests, the inauguration programme at the Wangjing BDO office was conducted under heightened security arrangements. A large number of protesters gathered near the venue, raising slogans and expressing opposition to the visit.

The situation escalated as security personnel moved to disperse the crowd. Authorities used tear gas and reportedly fired shots in the air to control the gathering. According to sources, at least one protester sustained injuries during the incident.

Tension was reported from multiple locations across Thoubal district through the day, with intermittent road blockades affecting movement in the area. Security forces remained deployed in strength to prevent further escalation.

The Chief Minister returned via helicopter following the event.

Meanwhile, Manipur police has issued a detailed statement explaining the sequence of events that led to the use of force during the Chief Minister’s visit to a function site where a newly constructed Block Development Office (BDO) building was to be inaugurated.

According to the statement, a large group of individuals armed with stones and catapults advanced toward the venue with what authorities described as an apparent intent to vandalise the public infrastructure. Police personnel deployed at the site repeatedly appealed to the gathering to disperse, but the crowd continued to move forward in an aggressive manner.

Officials said the situation posed a significant threat to public property, the safety of dignitaries present, and overall law and order in the area. In response to the escalating tension, security personnel resorted to what was termed as the minimum necessary force to contain the situation.

Police stated that when initial measures failed to deter the crowd, controlled firing was undertaken as a last resort, in accordance with established protocols, to disperse the mob and neutralise the threat.

During the incident, one individual identified as Elangbam Nandbir Singh (40), a resident of Heirok Part 2 Elangbam Leirak and currently serving as a Village Defence Force (VDF) Special Police Officer (SPO) in A Company, sustained injuries. His condition was not immediately detailed in the statement.

Authorities confirmed that the situation was subsequently brought under control, preventing further damage to property and ensuring the safety of those present at the venue.