Tensions rose in Imphal West on April 16 after security forces stopped a large Meira rally at Singjamei that had been organised in protest of the Tronglaobi incident. The rally, which began in Lilong and moved towards Singjamei under the banner of the All Manipur United Clubs’ Organisation (AMUCO) and allied groups, was halted by police and central forces amid tightened security in sensitive areas including Kakwa and Singjamei.
The demonstration was sparked by an April 7 attack in Moirang Tronglaobi village, Bishnupur district, in which a suspected militant strike — reportedly a projectile believed to be a rocket — hit a civilian house. Two children, a five-year-old boy and his five-month-old sister, were killed and their mother seriously injured. Locals alleged the projectile was fired from hill slopes more than three kilometres away, underscoring tensions along the hill-valley fringe bordering Churachandpur district.
Protesters chanted slogans such as “Go back Central Force” and “Long live Manipur” while demanding the arrest of suspected Kuki militants they hold responsible for the Tronglaobi blast. The rally was stopped at Singjamei and a confrontation with security personnel followed. Officials used tear gas shells to disperse the crowd after the situation turned volatile. Several protesters were reportedly injured, and the agitation continued into the night before authorities brought it under control.
The street protest came after a round of talks between the government and a Joint Action Committee (JAC) formed in the wake of the Tronglaobi incident. The meeting, held at the official residence of Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, included senior ministers, MLAs, JAC members and families of the victims but ended without a final agreement.
According to JAC representatives, the delegation handed over a charter of demands that called for a military crackdown on suspected Kuki militant groups, redeployment of central forces from valley areas to the hills, a judicial inquiry into the conduct of security personnel at the time of the attack, and compensation and protection for the victims’ families. JAC member Moirangthem Gouro said the government “responded very well and listened patiently” but that “in certain points, they couldn’t reach understanding”; both sides agreed to continue discussions.
The committee also demanded immediate arrests of those responsible, said the families would not claim the bodies, and announced they would maintain a blockade along Tiddim Road until their demands are met. In a later statement, Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh expressed “profound grief” and said the investigation was being pursued with “utmost seriousness,” adding that those responsible would face strict legal action and the government remained committed to delivering justice.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/manipur/video/manipur-torch-rally-halted-in-imphal-west-after-scuffle-tear-gas-used-to-disperse-protesters-1376921-2026-04-17?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2026-04-17 09:20:00
