The sustained violent protest has raised questions over the Manipur government’s ability to assert authority, with critics saying state power appears to be “going up in smoke” amid burning streets.
BY PC Bureau
April 20, 2026 — Imphal witnessed another night of unrest on April 19 as torch-bearing mobs of Meira Paibis, accompanied by male protesters, marched through parts of the city, clashing with security forces using stones, catapults and petrol bombs while raising slogans demanding the removal of central forces from the Imphal Valley.
The violence marked the continuation of four days of intense protests triggered by the April 7 bomb attack in Tronglaobi Awang Leikai village in Bishnupur district, where suspected militants allegedly fired a rocket-like projectile at a civilian home, killing a four-year-old boy and his infant sister as they slept, while seriously injuring their mother. The victims’ families have refused to claim the bodies until justice is delivered.
Torch rallies and protests continued across several valley districts on Sunday, including in Uripok and Koirengei in Imphal West and parts of Kakching, with demonstrators accusing the government of failing to protect civilian lives and property. Protesters demanded swift action against those responsible for the Tronglaobi killings and alleged excessive force by central security personnel during crowd control operations.
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They are also demanding implementation of the NRC, safe highway movement, action against alleged narco-terrorism, and a halt to the resettlement of internally displaced person
Tensions flared in Kakching when security forces fired tear gas shells to disperse demonstrators, triggering brief chaos. No serious injuries were immediately reported.
The night marches, led largely by Meira Paibis and backed by Meitei civil society groups and the Joint Action Committee (JAC), have continued in defiance of prohibitory orders. Protesters have set April 25 as a deadline for the arrest of those responsible. A five- to seven-day shutdown called by Meira Paibi Lup and allied groups has disrupted markets, shops and daily life across much of Manipur.
Over the past few days, nightly Meira rallies are taking place in various areas of Imphal. During several of these occasions, many anti-social elements, under the guise of protesters, have engaged in violent activities. These include the use of petrol bombs, catapults fitted with…
— Manipur Police (@manipur_police) April 19, 2026
Erosion Of State Authority
The sustained protests have increasingly exposed what critics describe as an erosion of the Manipur government’s authority, with the streets in several parts of Imphal at times resembling battle zones. Security forces, including Manipur Police, have been openly targeted during repeated confrontations, with petrol bombs, iron projectiles and stone pelting directed at personnel deployed for crowd control.
Despite the scale and intensity of the unrest, the government’s response has drawn questions. Beyond appeals for calm and defensive crowd-control measures such as tear gas firing by security forces, authorities have so far appeared unable to contain or decisively manage the protests, even as nightly violence continues to escalate.
19/04/2026#ThisIsManipur
The Meira rally against injustice still continues every night for the 2 children killed by #KukiTerrorists and the 3 civilians lost to #SecurityForces.
A state bleeding, yet unbroken. #Manipur will never sleep until justice is delivered.
When will… https://t.co/qoacMmUEto pic.twitter.com/rRzTAYEw1s
— BeeThangjam (@beethangjam) April 19, 2026
Police Claim Infiltration, Intoxication
Imphal West Superintendent of Police Ksh Shivakanta Singh on April 19 alleged that anti-social elements had infiltrated the protests and were driving much of the violence.
“Instigators are supplying petrol or kerosene bombs, catapults and iron projectiles ahead of these rallies,” the SP said, adding that many participants appeared to be under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicants.
According to police, security personnel faced targeted attacks in areas such as Khurai Lamlong and Sagolband, responding with tear gas, smoke bombs, stun grenades and lathi charges.
Government Appeals For Calm
Manipur Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam appealed for public cooperation in restoring peace and said efforts were underway to identify and arrest those behind the Tronglaobi attack. He also urged protest groups to reconsider the shutdown, warning it was severely affecting daily life.
Normalcy remains elusive across Imphal and other valley districts. With torch rallies showing no signs of abating and state authority increasingly being tested on the streets, the coming days may prove critical in determining whether the agitation moves toward justice — or deeper instability.
