Demand for justice intensifies as protests sweep Kakching and Yairipok
Source: The Sangai Express
Thoubal, April 22 2026:
Condemning the April 7 Tronglaobi bomb attack that killed two children and the subsequent killing of three civilians during protests, allegedly in firing by personnel of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), a sit-in demonstration was held at Tokpaching in Kakching district on Wednesday.
The protest, organised by the All Tokpaching Meira Paibi Welfare Association (ATMPWA), saw participation from local residents who demanded justice for the victims and stringent action against those responsible.
Speaking on the sidelines of the protest, Haobijam Ongbi Kajal Leima, a noted singer and a member of the association, strongly condemned the incidents.
She stated that the killing of two innocent children, who were reportedly asleep in their mother's lap during the blast, was inhumane, and further alleged that three civilians were "mercilessly killed" during the subsequent protest.
Calling the incidents barbaric, she demanded immediate arrest of those involved and strict punishment as per law.
She also appealed to security forces to refrain from excessive use of force against unarmed civilians protesting for justice.
President of ATMPWA, Salam Ibetombi, also condemned the incidents, stating that the tragedy had deeply affected the people, particularly mothers.
She urged the authorities to take decisive action to curb hostilities and bring the perpetrators to justice, while ensuring the safety of civilians.
Meanwhile, in a show of growing public anger, thousands of people, including members of the Meitei and Meitei-Pangal communities, took out a torch rally at Yairipok on Tuesday evening, demanding justice for the victims of the Tronglaobi blast and the alleged killing of civilians.
The rally was spearheaded by the Nongpok Sayang Apunba Lup (NSAL), an apex body representing clubs and organisations from Thoubal Kshetri Leikai to Yairipok Chandrakhong-Phanjakhong areas.
Participants included Meira Paibi groups, local clubs, civil society organisations, and residents from Phanjakhong, Chandrakhong, Ningel, Malom, Heitroipokpi, Khoirom, Kekru, Bamol Leikai, Bishnunaha, Siphai Leikai, Singa, Huidrom Leikai, Wangkhem, and neighbouring localities.
The procession began at Yairipok Keithel Traffic Island and proceeded towards Yairipok bridge, extending up to the gate of Azad Higher Secondary School at Tulihal before returning to the starting point.
Participants from Laimanai and Top-Chingtha Tulihal also joined the rally.
Protesters raised slogans condemning the Tronglaobi attack and the killing of civilians, demanding punishment for those responsible, and calling for the protection of Manipur's territorial integrity.
The rally concluded peacefully, with participants reiterating their demand for justice, accountability, and restoration of peace in the state.
Comment
