Another Night of Violent Protests Rocks Imphal East

Protesters, largely women from multiple localities, marched with torches demanding justice for victims of the Bishnupur bomb attack that killed two young children earlier this month.

BY PC Bureau

April 17, 2026 — Fresh unrest gripped parts of Imphal East on Friday night as security forces fired tear gas shells to disperse protesters during a torch rally at Khurai Lamlong, marking another volatile night on the streets of the Manipur capital amid deepening tensions over recent violence in the state.

The rally, organised by the All Manipur United Clubs’ Organisation (AMUCO) along with allied civil society groups, drew a large number of protesters, including women from several localities in Imphal East, who marched with flaming torches and raised slogans demanding justice for victims of the recent bomb attack in Bishnupur district. Protesters also voiced anger against central security forces and vowed to continue what they described as a struggle to protect their land and people.

Security had been tightened in anticipation of the rally, with state police and central forces deployed in strength and barricades erected at key points to prevent the procession from advancing beyond designated areas. Tension escalated when a section of protesters reportedly tried to push through the barricades, triggering a brief scuffle with security personnel.

In response, security forces fired tear gas shells to disperse the crowd, plunging the protest site into chaos. At least four women were reported injured during the dispersal and were taken to the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS) for treatment. No major casualties were reported.

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Friday’s confrontation followed a similar night of violence on Thursday, when a torch rally from Lilong towards Singjamei also ended in clashes, underscoring a pattern of escalating protests in the Imphal Valley. Sit-in demonstrations by day and torch rallies by night have become a recurring feature of the agitation, often led by Meira Paibis and supported by student and civil society organisations.

Dear National & International media,
This is Manipur right now at 10 PM IST (Friday, 17th April today). Is Manipur even a part of India? Why are you silent on Manipur? Wake up! No Justice, No Rest.#HappeningNow pic.twitter.com/g6xa4iwetM
— Licypriya Kangujam (@LicypriyaK) April 17, 2026

The protests were triggered by widespread outrage over the April 7 bomb explosion at Tronglaobi Awang Leikai in Bishnupur district, in which five-year-old Tomthin Oinam and his five-month-old sister Oinam Leisana were killed while asleep in their home. Their mother was critically injured. The deaths of the two children have intensified anger across the valley and reignited tensions linked to Manipur’s long-running ethnic conflict.

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Protesters have demanded the immediate arrest of those responsible, a transparent investigation into the attack, restraint by central security forces, justice for victims, and stronger protections for civilians. Several groups have warned the agitation will continue until their demands are met.

Manipur, India.
It become a daily affairs. Thousands of women with torch ( Meira Paibi ) on the streets of Imphal, Manipur seeking Justice , urging to enforce Law and order across the state. Demanding crack down against terrorists who are terrorizing the state under the so called… pic.twitter.com/tkqBUbzGcl
— huidrom athouba (@HuidromAthouba) April 17, 2026

Adding to concerns, the Manipur Commission for Protection of Child Rights has taken note of reports that a young child was injured in tear gas shelling during earlier protests in Singjamei and has urged security forces to exercise maximum restraint in civilian areas.

Amid the growing unrest, Chief Minister Y. Khemchand Singh appealed for peace during a visit to Ukhrul district, calling for dialogue and harmony among communities. But on the streets of Imphal East, anger remained palpable Friday night as protesters and security forces once again faced off, reflecting a crisis that shows little sign of easing.

List of Protesters’ Key Demand:

Immediate Arrest and Exemplary Punishment of the Perpetrators
Swift and concrete action to arrest those responsible for the bomb attack that killed the two innocent children. Protesters have demanded visible crackdowns and stern measures against “terrorists” involved.
Thorough, Time-Bound and Transparent Investigation
A fair probe into the Tronglaobi incident, including how the explosive reached the civilian home and any possible security lapses. Many have called for accountability at all levels.
Withdrawal or Maximum Restraint by Central Forces
Strong calls to pull back or strictly regulate central security personnel (including CRPF), accusing them of excessive use of force, such as tear gas shelling that allegedly injured civilians and children in residential areas.
Justice for All Victims of Recent Violence
This includes not only the two children but also other civilians reportedly killed or injured in clashes or alleged firing by security forces during protests.
Protection of Indigenous Land and People
Firm resolve to safeguard Meitei-dominated valley areas from further attacks, infiltration, and violence, with slogans emphasising “Protect Our Land.”
Adequate Compensation and Support to the Victim Family
Immediate financial assistance, medical care for the injured mother, and long-term rehabilitation for the grieving family.
End to Indiscriminate Use of Force on Protesters
Strict adherence to guidelines on crowd control, especially after the Manipur Commission for Protection of Child Rights flagged “grave violations” due to tear gas affecting young children in residential areas.
Concrete Action Against Terrorism and Restoration of Normalcy
Decisive steps to curb terrorism, improve intelligence and village security, and address the root causes of the ethnic conflict to prevent recurrence of attacks on civilians, particularly children.
Broader Governance and Security Reforms
Better coordination between state and central agencies, and sincere efforts towards lasting peace through dialogue while ensuring justice is delivered.

Civil society groups have made it clear that the agitation will continue in various forms — sit-ins by day and torch rallies by night — until these demands, particularly the arrest of the culprits and full accountability, are met.