83rd Chingangbam Mandap Aerial Bombing observed at Khurai
CM urges civil bodies to lift shutdown
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, April 20 2026: NIA investigation and search to arrest persons involved in the Tronglaobi incident are underway, Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand said today, urging the JAC and other civil organisations concerned to lift the total shutdown that has crippled normal life since April 18 midnight.

He made the statement and the appeal while attending the 83rd commemoration of the Chingangbam Mandap Aerial Bombing at Khurai Thangjam Leikai Community Hall.

The Tronglaobi incident of April 7 which killed two children was tragic and is condemned by all sections of the society.

83rd Chingangbam Mandap Aerial Bombing observed at Khurai :: Pix - DIPR Manipur

But, the total shutdown that has been imposed is hurting ordinary citizens and affecting the livelihoods of many, Khemchand said, appealing to the civil bodies concerned to lift the shutdown immediately.

The Chief Minister said the imposition of the total shutdown was unfortunate and it came as a surprise to the Government which had been holding talks with the JAC and the parents of the children killed in the incident.

The Government, he said, held talks with the JAC on two occasions.

The second round of talk was held in the presence of the father of the children, he added.

During the meeting, the Government made proposals including jobs to both the surviving parents, Khemchand said.

The jobs with the State Government were offered thinking about the welfare of the couple.

The husband, an ASI with the BSF, was offered a suitable post with either the police or the Manipur Rifles, and his wife, a Nurse by profession, was offered the post of a Nurse with the State Government.

If employed with the State Government, the husband would be able to take better care of the ailing wife, Khemchand.

The JAC and the father of the children "returned" saying they would discuss the Government's proposal with their families.

However, the total shutdown was suddenly declared later and imposed, Khemchand said, urging the JAC and organisations concerned to lift the shutdown.

On actions being taken in connection with the Tronglaobi incident, Khemchand said the NIA is investigating and it is expected to take some time to complete.

The search for the perpetrators of the incident is on.

They would have been identified and arrested immediately if there were CCTV footage, Khemchand said.

The Chief Minister also spoke about the World War-II bombing of the Chingangbam Mandap, and said that the site may be developed as a heritage site.

Khemchand said his Government will take up all the necessary steps to declare the aerial bombing site a heritage site as proposed by the Chingangbam Mandap Savayat Committee and Imphal Campaign Foundation, Imphal West.

On this day in 1943 during World War-II, the Chingangbam Mandap at Khurai was struck in an aerial bombing.

It killed around 100 people.

The remembrance today commenced by paying floral tributes at a newly installed memorial of those killed in the bombing.

CM Y Khemchand unveiled the memorial stone.

Art and Culture Minister Khuraijam Loken Singh, MLA of Wangkhei Assembly Constituency Thangjam Arunkumar Singh and Director of Health Services Manipur Dr N Hemantakumar Singh among others attended the event.

During the day, the Chief Minister also laid the foundation stone for construction of a women market shed at New Checkon, Imphal.