Imphal, April 19: A late-night torch rally in Sagolband, Imphal West, escalated into a confrontation on April 18 after security forces fired tear gas to disperse demonstrators demanding accountability for the Tronglaobi killings.
The protest, part of a continuing wave of unrest across Manipur, drew large crowds who marched through the streets carrying torches and raising slogans over concerns about civilian safety. Participants accused authorities of failing to prevent repeated incidents of violence despite prolonged tensions in the state.
As the situation intensified, multiple tear gas shells were deployed, blanketing the area in dense smoke and causing panic among residents. Streets were briefly shrouded in haze as people hurried indoors to avoid exposure.
Public outrage has grown following the April 7 attack in Moirang Tronglaobi village in Bishnupur district, where suspected militants fired a projectile, believed to be a rocket, at a civilian residence. The explosion killed two children, a five-year-old boy and his five-month-old sister, and left their mother critically injured. The blast also caused significant damage to the house and triggered alarm across the locality.
Amid mounting criticism, Manipur Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam stated on April 16 that the National Investigation Agency had taken over the investigation into the incident. Authorities have so far arrested five suspected members of the United Kuki National Army in connection with the case.
Violence has persisted in Manipur since May 3, 2023, with recurring incidents continuing to deepen mistrust and insecurity among affected communities.
