Tensions escalated in Imphal after security personnel prevented COCOMI-led protesters from reaching the Chief Minister’s residence, triggering confrontations and unrest in key areas.
BY PC Bureau
Imphal, Manipur | April 25, 2026:
Violent clashes broke out across multiple parts of Imphal on Saturday as thousands of protesters, mobilised under the banner of the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), staged a massive demonstration demanding justice for two Meitei children killed in a projectile attack in Bishnupur district on April 7.
The protest, which saw participation from large sections of the valley population, began around 1 PM with coordinated mobilisation from eight different locations across Imphal East and Imphal West. The demonstrators were initially headed towards the Chief Minister’s Bungalow, but heavy deployment of security forces to prevent entry into the high-security zone led to confrontations at several points across the city.
Clashes Across Key City Points
Tensions escalated rapidly into violence at multiple flashpoints, including Keishampat, Lamlong, Ima Keithel, and Singjamei, where protesters reportedly resorted to stone pelting while security forces responded with tear gas shells to disperse the crowd.
Several protesters sustained injuries during the clashes, although official figures have not yet been confirmed. The unrest brought normal life in the state capital to a complete halt, with shops, markets, and commercial establishments shutting down by early afternoon.
Situation was brought under control after mob attempted #COCOMI office attack, security forces deployed on time.
Yet the question remains—who takes responsibility for allowing tensions to rise? #Justice #Responsibility #Manipur pic.twitter.com/A5cfbSFgVn
— Gamba Aribam (@AribamGamb41503) April 25, 2026
Anger Over Killing of Children and Broader Demands
The protests are part of a continuing wave of public outrage following the April 7 incident in Bishnupur, where two Meitei children were killed when their residence came under attack. The tragedy has reignited tensions in the valley and intensified long-standing political and security demands raised by COCOMI.
Among the key demands highlighted by the organisation are:
- A judicial inquiry into the CRPF firing incident in which three civilians were killed after a mob attempted to storm a security camp following the April 7 attack
- Full rehabilitation and resettlement of Meitei internally displaced persons (IDPs) affected by the ongoing ethnic conflict
- Immediate abrogation of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with Kuki-Zomi insurgent groups
- Stronger action against alleged narco-terror networks operating in the region
COCOMI’s Warning to Government
Speaking to reporters, COCOMI spokesperson Nahakpam Shanta said the organisation had submitted multiple memorandums to the government but had not received any “clear action-taken report.”
He stated:
“The organisation is submitting a memorandum raising several demands, including rehabilitation of IDPs, a judicial inquiry into the CRPF firing, and concrete action against narco-terrorism. Earlier assurances regarding resettlement have not been fulfilled. These issues must be resolved before processes like the census or NRC are undertaken in the state.”
Warning of further escalation, he added:
“If the government fails to respond within a few days, we may be compelled to intensify our democratic agitations.”
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Chief Minister Appeals for Calm
Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh appealed for restraint and urged all stakeholders to return to dialogue, stressing that peace could only be achieved through negotiation.
“There is no other way to bring peace other than through talks at the negotiating table. The government alone cannot restore peace unless the public and civil society organisations cooperate,” he said. “I appeal to all stakeholders to come forward for dialogue to resolve the issues in the state.”
He also expressed concern over the impact of prolonged unrest on daily wage earners and the disruption of academic activities for students across Manipur.
Deepening Ethnic Fault Lines
The latest violence underscores the continuing ethnic and political fault lines in Manipur more than three years after the outbreak of widespread conflict in May 2023.
Valley-based groups such as COCOMI continue to press for stronger action against Kuki-Zomi armed groups, faster rehabilitation of Meitei displaced persons, and accountability for recent incidents of violence.
Meanwhile, hill-based Kuki organisations have raised counter-allegations of security lapses and alleged militant build-ups in districts including Ukhrul, further deepening mistrust between communities.
Despite repeated assurances from the government, the situation remains highly volatile, with both sides accusing authorities of failing to restore lasting peace and normalcy in the state.
