Yairipok hunger strike cut short as police remove protesters
Source: The Sangai Express

Thoubal, April 24 2026: A hunger strike staged by the members of the Yairipok Tampha Keithel Fambi Lup demanding justice in connection with the April 7 Tronglaobi bomb attack and the alleged killing of three civilians in CRPF firing was disrupted by police on Friday, with protesters being picked up and the protest site dismantled.

According to reports, the president of the organisation, Ema Laikhuram Leirentombi, and member Kongbrailatpam Ongbi Thambaltombi, who had been on a hunger strike since Thursday morning, were picked up by a team of Yairipok Police Station earlier in the day and were taken to Community Health Centre (CHC), Yairipok for medical attention.

Later, they were escorted back to their respective homes.

Following their removal, two women vendors - Mutum Ibecha (60) and Mathurabasimayum Premila (55) - took over the hunger strike in continuation of the protest.

However they were also picked up by police at around 5.30 pm today, and shifted to CHC Yairipok.

Police also dismantled the protest site in an apparent bid to prevent continuation of the agitation.

It may be mentioned that the hunger strike was initiated with the demand that authorities arrest and punish those responsible for the Tronglaobi bomb attack, which claimed the lives of two children, as well as take action against CRPF personnel allegedly involved in the killing of three civilians.

Medical teams from CHC Yairipok had been monitoring the health condition of the fasting protesters since the beginning of the agitation.

During the course of the protest, shops and business establishments at Yairipok Tampha Keithel, New Market, and surrounding areas remained closed, with locals extending support to the agitation.

Before being taken away by police, the protesters speaking to the media, expressed strong condemnation over the Tronglaobi bomb attack and demanded immediate action against the perpetrators.

They also voiced strong criticism against Central forces, alleging failure to protect civilians and expressing deep dissatisfaction over the prevailing situation.

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