Peace rally over civilian deaths turns violent in Manipur's Imphal East, police fire tear gas to disperse crowd

Fresh protests were reported in parts of Manipur’s valley region on Wednesday, April 22 with security forces using tear gas to disperse demonstrators in Imphal East district amid continuing tensions following the Tronglaobi bomb attack.

According to officials and local accounts, a protest rally began from Kongba and proceeded towards Wangkhei, covering a distance of nearly five kilometres. A section of protesters sought to extend the march further towards Konung Mamang, but security personnel restricted movement beyond Wangkhei citing law and order concerns.

A brief scuffle broke out between demonstrators and security forces after the procession was halted. Police subsequently fired several rounds of tear gas shells to disperse the gathering and bring the situation under control. No immediate reports of serious injuries were available.

Residents said that protest rallies and the use of crowd-control measures such as tear gas have become frequent in the valley districts in recent weeks. Demonstrators expressed frustration over the prevailing security situation and called for measures to restore normalcy in the state.

Some protesters alleged that there has been inadequate response from the Centre in resolving the ongoing conflict and demanded steps to ensure lasting peace. They also raised concerns related to illegal immigration and called for updating the National Register of Citizens prior to the next census exercise.

All Manipur United Clubs' Organisation president Sorokhaibam Sanjoy criticised the handling of the situation and urged people to collectively raise their concerns. He stated that the law and order situation continues to deteriorate and called for stronger public mobilisation.

The security situation in Manipur remains sensitive, with authorities maintaining restrictions in several areas and closely monitoring developments to prevent escalation.