Curfew defied as protests sweep Manipur valley after bomb attack kills two children, triggering unrest and heightened security response
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IMPHAL — Defying curfew, rallies, sit-in demonstrations, candlelight vigils and torch processions were held across Manipur’s five valley districts on Thursday following fresh violence triggered by a bomb attack that left two children dead and their mother critically injured.
Meanwhile, district authorities announced a four-hour relaxation of curfew across the five valley districts from 5 am to 9 am on April 10. Separate orders were issued on Thursday evening.
Earlier in the day, the All Manipur United Clubs’ Organisation (AMUCO), along with four other organisations including a student body, organised a rally demanding justice over recent incidents. The rally, which began at Kwakeithel along Airport Road, was stopped by security forces at Hodam Leirak junction.
Also read: Amid protests, Manipur CM promises stern action in bomb attack that killed 2 children
A team of AMUCO representatives was later allowed to proceed to the Chief Minister’s Secretariat in Imphal to submit a memorandum to Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand.
Reports of similar protests also emerged from Moirangpurel in Imphal East, Samurou in Imphal West and other localities.
Khemchand chaired a high-level security meeting at the Cabinet Hall of the Secretariat on Thursday evening. The meeting was attended by Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam, the chief secretary, commissioner (Home), senior police officials including the DGP, ADGPs, IGPs, DIGs and SPs, with some joining virtually.
“The meeting was held in view of the security scenario arising out of the Tronglaobi incident,” a statement from the Chief Minister’s Secretariat said. The chief minister directed officials to closely monitor the situation and take all necessary steps to restore law and order.
In a post on X, the chief minister said the government is in constant coordination with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and assured strict action against those responsible.
The April 7 incident occurred around 1 am at Tronglaobi Awang Leikai under Moirang police station in Bishnupur district, where suspected militants allegedly carried out a bomb attack on a house, killing a five-month-old infant and her five-year-old brother, while leaving their mother critically injured.
In subsequent protests near a CRPF camp at Gelmol, two persons were killed in firing by security forces, while another succumbed to injuries the following day.
Amid the unrest, a 32-year-old man identified as S Apollo from Imphal West allegedly attempted self-immolation outside Lok Bhavan in Imphal on Thursday, expressing anguish over the incident. Security personnel foiled the attempt.
The chief minister also met representatives of Bishnupur Akoiba Apunba Lup, who submitted a memorandum highlighting key concerns.
Earlier this week, he held discussions with members of a Joint Action Committee on the Tronglaobi incident, where a seven-point memorandum was reviewed, with the government assuring appropriate action.