At least five people were injured after security forces used tear gas shells and smoke bombs to disperse protesters in Sagolband area of Imphal West, Manipur, on Saturday, as tensions escalated over a recent deadly attack.
The protest was sparked by outrage over the Tronglaobi bomb blast in Bishnupur district, which killed two children and injured their mother. Locals, including youth groups, took to the streets accusing authorities of failing to ensure safety.
As the crowd grew and the situation turned volatile, security forces fired multiple rounds of tear gas to bring it under control. Eyewitnesses reported scenes of panic as thick smoke filled the area, forcing residents to flee. Several protesters were detained during the operation. Security has since been tightened in and around Sagolband, with the situation remaining tense.
Deadly Attack Behind Protests
The unrest follows an April 7 explosion in Moirang Tronglaobi, where suspected militants hurled an explosive device into a home. Two children—a five-year-old boy and a six-month-old girl—were killed while sleeping, and their mother was injured.
Manipur Chief Minister Y. Khemchand Singh condemned the incident as a “barbaric act” and assured that those responsible would be brought to justice. He also urged people to maintain unity.
Violence Spreads
The attack triggered protests across parts of the state. In Bishnupur, demonstrators torched two oil tankers and a truck near a petrol pump. Reports said at least two people were killed and five injured after a mob stormed a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) camp.
Earlier, thousands defied restrictions in Imphal West and took out a torch rally, which later turned confrontational. Protesters allegedly raised slogans against security forces and pelted stones, prompting a response that included tear gas shelling and baton charges.
Fragile Security Situation
The affected areas have remained volatile since ethnic clashes between Meitei and Kuki-Zo groups erupted in May 2023. More than 260 people have been killed and thousands displaced since then, with sporadic violence continuing to keep tensions high.
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