The situation in Manipur remains volatile as public anger boils over following the tragic deaths of two children in a bomb blast on April 7, 2026, in the Tronglaobi area of Bishnupur district. Despite prohibitory orders, a massive torchlight procession (Meira Paibi led) moved through the capital’s streets, resulting in injuries and tear gas deployment.
The Protest: Demand for Justice
The Rally: The march began around 7:00 PM on Thursday at Singjamei. Thousands of residents, carrying torches, demanded the immediate arrest of the perpetrators behind the Tronglaobi attack, which also left the children’s mother critically injured.
The Route: Protesters covered nearly 2 km, reaching Chingamathak. The rally was heading toward the Chief Minister’s bungalow and the State Police Headquarters before being intercepted.
Defiance of Orders: Current orders prohibit the movement of individuals between 5:00 PM and 5:00 AM, but the crowd significantly outnumbered the initial security deployment.
Escalation and Clashes
Security forces blocked the path to the high-security Lok Bhavan area, leading to a direct confrontation:
Force Used: As the crowd refused to turn back and began pelting stones, security personnel fired tear gas shells and resorted to a baton charge.
Injuries: At least five protesters were hospitalized due to minor injuries and respiratory distress from the tear gas smoke.
Hostility: Officials reported that some elements in the crowd verbally abused personnel and raised slogans directly targeting the security forces.
“There are elements trying to take advantage of the prevailing situation in the state for their respective anti-government and anti-security forces agendas.” — Official Statement
Context: The April 7 Bomb Attack
The current unrest is rooted in an incident ten days ago in Bishnupur district. A bomb attack in a residential area claimed the lives of two minor children, sparking immediate state-wide protests. The failure to make high-profile arrests in the case has fueled perceptions of a security lapse, leading to the “torch rally” and subsequent violence in Imphal West.
Current Security Status
Curfew: The 5:00 PM to 5:00 AM curfew remains strictly in place across Imphal West and Bishnupur.
Deployment: Additional paramilitary and state police units have been moved to the fringes of the “Red Zone” (CM’s bungalow and Secretariat) to prevent further incursions.
Investigation: Police maintain that the probe into the Tronglaobi blast is ongoing, but they have appealed for calm to prevent further loss of life during street protests.