Torchlight protests spread across several valley regions of Manipur on Sunday, April 19, 2026, as demonstrators marched in Imphal West and Kakching districts to demand justice over the Tronglaobi incident, while security forces fired tear gas to disperse crowds in parts of Imphal West and Kakching. Protesters, carrying torches and shouting slogans, accused the state government of failing to protect lives and property and called for swift action against those responsible.
The rallies, reported from Uripok and Koirengei in Imphal West and multiple locations in Kakching district, were organised in direct response to the Tronglaobi killing. Participants said they wanted immediate accountability and faster investigation into the attack. Several demonstrators also alleged excessive use of force by central security personnel during crowd-control operations.
Tension rose in Kakching when security forces moved to break up a gathering; tear-gas shells were fired and protesters briefly scattered, creating scenes of confusion. There were no immediate reports of serious injuries, officials said, and normalcy was gradually restored in affected areas.
Organisers and participants reiterated demands for justice for the victims of the Tronglaobi incident and urged authorities to ensure transparent prosecutions. Protesters said the demonstrations would continue until there was clear progress in identifying and charging those responsible.
Manipur Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam appealed to residents to cooperate in restoring peace and normalcy, saying the government was working to identify and apprehend those involved in the Tronglaobi bomb attack. He told reporters that five cadres of the United Kuki National Army (UKNA), suspected to be linked to the incident, have been arrested and that investigations are ongoing.
Authorities have not released further details about the arrests or the progress of forensic and criminal inquiries. The situation remains tense in parts of the valley as security agencies continue probe efforts and community leaders call for calm and accountability.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/manipur/video/protests-over-tronglaobi-incident-intensify-across-manipur-valley-security-forces-fire-tear-gas-to-disperse-crowd-1378282-2026-04-19?utm_source=rssfeed
Category:
Tags:
Publish Date: 2026-04-19 22:21:00
