Imphal, April 21: Torch rallies led by women’s groups have emerged as a potent expression of public anger in Manipur, with widespread road blockades continuing to disrupt daily life and increase pressure on authorities following the killing of two young siblings in Tronglaobi.
Members of Meira Paibi Lup, often referred to as the “Women Torch Bearers”, along with youth organisations, have been holding night-time processions while enforcing daytime blockades at key locations such as Imphal Mayai Lambi, Heirangoithong and Singjamei. Vehicular movement has been severely restricted, and markets, shops and most commercial establishments have remained closed, bringing large parts of the state to a near standstill.
The protests were triggered by the April 7 attack at Tronglaobi Awang Leikai in Bishnupur district, where suspected militants allegedly hurled a bomb at a residential house. The explosion killed a five-year-old boy and his five-month-old sister as they slept, and left their mother injured, fuelling widespread outrage across the region.
Protesters have set April 25 as the deadline for authorities to arrest those responsible, warning that agitation will intensify if no concrete action is taken within the stipulated time.
In response to the escalating unrest, security has been tightened across Manipur. Police have cautioned that while the demonstrations are largely driven by demands for justice, there are concerns that some anti-social elements may attempt to exploit the situation to provoke violence and target security forces.
The continuing protests underscore deepening public frustration, with normal life remaining disrupted as calls for accountability grow louder.
