Manipur: Protesters March to CM’s Bungalow, Clash with Forces; Dozens Injured
Imphal protest turns violent; over 50 injured, including protesters and security personnel, amid escalating tensions in Manipur.
IMPHAL- Tensions escalated across Manipur’s capital today as a massive “mass agitation” organized by the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) resulted in violent confrontations between protesters and security forces. Thousands of demonstrators, led predominantly by Meira Paibis (women vigilantes), attempted to march toward the Chief Minister’s Secretariat, demanding urgent government action on the state’s deteriorating security situation.
The rally commenced around 1:00 PM from eight different locations across the valley districts. Protesters planned to converge at the official residence of Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh to submit a memorandum.
Large numbers of security personnel were deployed, erecting barricades at strategic points like Khurai Lamlong, Moirangkhom, and the Kangla western gate.
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When crowds refused to disperse after warnings, security forces fired tear gas shells and mock bombs. Several individuals were injured in the ensuing chaos, including a student leader who was severely assaulted at Khwairamband Ima Market.
Around 30 protesters were injured during today’s mass rally in Imphal. Injuries occurred when security forces used tear gas and mock bombs to prevent the crowd from reaching the Chief Minister’s Secretariat.
As reported 27 security personnel sustained injuries during the confrontations in Imphal, with two officers currently in critical condition.
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A separate march by internally displaced persons (IDPs) at Yaingangpokpi resulted in 7 injuries, including one journalist and one security personnel.
An attack on civilian vehicles on NH-202 in the afternoon left several others injured, in addition to two fatalities.
Agitators allegedly smashed and damaged CISF vehicles during the protest. Panic in commercial hubs forced vendors and shoppers to flee areas like Ima Keithel and Alu Gali.
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Representatives from COCOMI submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister outlining several critical demands:
- Justice for Tronglaobi: Immediate arrest and action against those responsible for the April 7 bomb attack in Tronglaobi, which killed two children.
- Security Pacts: The abrogation of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with Kuki militant groups.
- Peace and Safety: Restoration of normalcy and guaranteed civilian safety amid ongoing ethnic conflict.
- Displaced Persons: Fulfillment of promises to resettle the thousands of internally displaced persons (IDPs) currently living in relief camps.
Following the clashes, Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh and Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam addressed the media.
The CM announced that the National Investigation Agency (NIA) is actively involved in the Tronglaobi case and that catching the culprits is a top priority.
The government stated that while action has begun on many points, some issues regarding the SoO agreement are “delicate” and require thorough discussion.
The CM appealed to the families of victims to allow last rites to be performed, assuring them that justice is being pursued.
The situation in Imphal remains volatile, with an heavy security presence and a 10-hour shutdown observed in parts of the Kangpokpi district in response to recent killings.
