Clashes erupted between protesters and security forces during a torch rally in Imphal on Monday night, April 20, as anger persisted over the deaths of two children in a bomb blast in Bishnupur district. Police said the confrontation followed attempts by demonstrators to move beyond a permitted route toward areas close to key administrative centres.
The children were killed in an explosion at Tronglaobi on April 7, sparking daily protests across the valley districts and renewed demands for accountability and stronger action. Organisers staged a seven-kilometre torch rally that began at Mayai Lambi and moved toward Keishamthong in Imphal West district.
According to police, the rally turned confrontational when participants tried to advance toward Keisampat, an area near major administrative offices, despite restrictions on the route. Hundreds of demonstrators reportedly defied a curfew and clashed with security personnel; officers used tear gas to disperse the crowd.
Officials said some protesters hurled stones and iron pellets, launched with catapults, creating a dangerous situation for security forces that were outnumbered at points during the unrest. Curfew orders remain in place across five valley districts, prohibiting movement outside homes between 5 pm and 5 am.
Authorities arrested 19 people from different parts of Imphal West on April 19 in connection with curfew violations and related offences, including road blockades and damage to public property, police said. No further details on injuries or charges were provided in the initial statements.
Meanwhile, a separate candlelight vigil was held in Ukhrul district on Monday night to mourn two civilians killed in an ambush in the TM Kasom area on April 18. Civil society organisations from both hill and valley regions condemned the killings, alleging the victims were targeted by armed militants using sniper fire. The twin incidents have underscored continuing tensions across hill and valley areas and kept calls for accountability at the forefront of public protests.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/manipur/story/manipur-protest-over-blast-victims-erupts-into-clashes-with-police-1378910-2026-04-21?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2026-04-21 10:32:00
