Protests continue across Manipur over the Tronglaobi killings, as authorities ease curfew but extend internet restrictions in five districts.
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IMPHAL — Public protests continued on Friday at multiple locations across five districts of Manipur, demanding justice for the April 7 bomb attack at Tronglaobi in Bishnupur district that killed two children and triggered subsequent violence that claimed three more lives.
Women in Kamong in Imphal West district, Khurai in Imphal East district and parts of Kakching staged sit-in protests in their localities, defying curfew restrictions. Candlelight prayers and torch rallies were also held in various localities of Imphal and other districts on Thursday in connection with the incident.
In a statement, the Zeliangrong Union (Assam, Manipur & Nagaland) condemned the Tronglaobi incident and expressed grief over the killing of the two children. “This heinous act of violence against defenceless children is a crime against humanity and a gross violation of all moral, social, and humanitarian values. Such barbarity has no place in a civilized society and must be condemned in the strongest possible terms,” it stated.
Also read: Curfew defied as protests erupt across Manipur valley
Meanwhile, district authorities announced a seven-hour relaxation of curfew from 5 am to 12 noon on April 11 across Imphal West, Imphal East, Bishnupur, Kakching and Thoubal districts, with separate orders issued on Friday.
The curfew was imposed after violent protests broke out on April 7 following the explosion in Tronglaobi village that claimed the lives of two infants, as part of measures to contain the situation. Internet services were also suspended in the five districts.
The Manipur government has extended the temporary suspension of mobile internet and data services, including VPN access, in the five districts for another two days amid the prevailing law and order situation.
According to an order issued by the Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the State Home Department, the restrictions will continue in Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Kakching and Bishnupur districts with effect from 2 pm on April 10.
The government stated that the decision was taken after reviewing the situation and assessing the need for continued preventive measures to maintain public order, citing concerns over the spread of disinformation and rumours on social media that could lead to mobilisation of mobs and violence.
Earlier, mobile internet services were suspended for three days from 2 pm on April 7 “in view of the volatile law and order situation” in the five districts. On April 8, broadband services, including Internet Leased Line (ILL) and Fibre to the Home (FTTH), were restored in a conditional and liberalised manner, while restrictions on mobile internet continued.