Manipur: Tear gas fired as torch rally over Tronglaobi killings turns tense in Imphal West

A late-night torch rally in Sagolband, Imphal West, escalated into a confrontation on April 18 as security forces used tear gas to disperse protesters demanding accountability over the Tronglaobi killings.

 

The demonstration, part of an ongoing wave of protests across Manipur, drew large crowds who marched through Sagolband streets carrying torches and raising slogans against what they described as a failure to protect civilians.

 

As tensions rose, multiple tear gas shells were fired, filling the area with dense smoke and triggering panic among residents. Streets were briefly engulfed in haze as people rushed indoors to avoid exposure.

 

Public anger has intensified following the attack in Moirang Tronglaobi village in Bishnupur district on April 7. Suspected militants fired a projectile, believed to be a rocket, at a civilian home. The blast killed two children — a five-year-old boy and his five-month-old sister — and left their mother seriously injured. The explosion caused extensive damage to the house and sent shockwaves through the village, prompting locals to rush to the scene.

 

Protesters at the rally accused authorities of failing to ensure safety despite months of unrest. Violence has continued in Manipur since May 3, 2023, with repeated incidents fuelling distrust and insecurity among communities.

 

Manipur Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam said on April 16 that the National Investigation Agency is investigating the Tronglaobi blast. Five suspected cadres of the United Kuki National Army have been arrested so far in connection with the case.

 

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