Manipur torch rally halted in Imphal West after scuffle, tear gas used to disperse protesters

Tensions escalated in Manipur’s Imphal West on April 16 after a large Meira Rally, organised in connection with the Tronglaobi incident, was stopped by security forces at Singjamei.

 

The rally was triggered by the April 7 attack in Tronglaobi village of Bishnupur district, where a suspected militant strike killed two young siblings and left their mother seriously injured. Reportedly, a projectile, believed to be a rocket, struck a civilian house in Moirang Tronglaobi, causing a powerful explosion.

 

The victims were identified as a five-year-old boy and his five-month-old sister. Locals alleged the projectile was fired from nearby hill slopes more than three kilometres away, highlighting ongoing tensions along the hill-valley fringe bordering Churachandpur district.

 

The rally began from Lilong and moved towards Singjamei, drawing a significant number of participants under the aegis of the All Manipur United Clubs' Organisation (AMUCO), with support from several other groups. Protesters raised slogans including “Go back Central Force” and “Long live Manipur”, while demanding the arrest of suspected Kuki militants linked to the Tronglaobi bomb attack.

 

Security had been tightened earlier in the day in sensitive areas such as Kakwa and Singjamei, with police and central forces deployed in anticipation of unrest. The rally was halted at Singjamei, leading to a confrontation between demonstrators and security personnel.

 

Officials used tear gas shells to disperse the crowd after the situation turned volatile. Several protesters reportedly sustained injuries during the clash. The agitation continued into the night before authorities brought it under control.

 

The protest followed an earlier round of talks between the government and a Joint Action Committee (JAC) formed after the Tronglaobi incident, which ended without a final agreement. The meeting, held at the official residence of Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, was attended by senior ministers, MLAs, JAC members and families of the victims.

 

According to JAC representatives, the delegation presented a charter of demands, including a military crackdown on suspected Kuki militant groups, redeployment of central forces from valley areas to the hills, and a judicial inquiry into the role of security personnel at the time of the incident. The committee also sought compensation and protection for the victims’ families.

 

JAC member Moirangthem Gouro said the government “responded very well and listened patiently”, but noted that “in certain points, they couldn’t reach understanding”. Both sides agreed to continue discussions.

 

The committee has also demanded the immediate arrest of those responsible for the killing of two children and injuries to their mother. It stated that the families would not claim the bodies of the deceased and would continue a blockade along Tiddim Road until their demands are met.

 

In a statement issued later, the chief minister expressed “profound grief” over the incident and assured that the investigation is being carried out with “utmost seriousness”. He said those responsible would face strict action in accordance with the law and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to delivering justice.