Widespread sit-in protests across Thoubal demand justice for civilian killings
Source: The Sangai Express
Thoubal, April 16 2026:
Denouncing the inhumane bomb attack at Tronglaobi Awang Leikai that killed two children, along with the killing of civilians in alleged indiscriminate firing by personnel of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), widespread sit-in protest demonstrations continued across Thoubal district demanding justice for the lives lost in the twin incidents.
At Waithou, a joint sit-in protest was staged at Waithou Keithel by the Waithou Apunba Meira Paibi Lup and the Waithou Educated Youths Association (WEYA), in association with AMUCO, AMAWOVA, COHR, MSF and PLMPAM.
The protest witnessed the participation of a large number of women from Waithou and nearby villages.
Demonstrators held placards bearing slogans such as "We want to live independently", "Stop proxy war", "Stop state terrorism", and "We are ready to govern ourselves", while similar slogans were raised during the protest.
Speaking on the sidelines, joint secretary of Waithou Apunba Meira Paibi Lup, Keisham Sunita, stated that since May 3, 2023, there have been continuous violent atrocities against innocent civilians by Kuki militants.
Referring to the April 7 incident, she said that the bomb attack on civilian residences, which killed two children, along with the subsequent indiscriminate firing by Central forces that resulted in civilian deaths and injuries, was extremely unfortunate and deserves the strongest condemnation.
She further stated that as citizens of a democratic country, people expect protection and equal treatment.
However, she alleged that while atrocities against civilians by Kuki militants continue, there has been inadequate intervention, and members of the Meitei community are frequently subjected to arrests and threats.
She expressed that such a situation does not reflect the democratic values people aspire to, adding that if the government cannot guarantee safety, people should be allowed to determine their own future and live independently.
Meanwhile, at Thoubal Wangmataba, another sit-in protest was held at Wangmataba Mandap, jointly organised by the Khunai Kanba Apunba Meira Paibi Lup (KHUKAMPAL), Thoubal District Apunba Meira Paibi, along with AMUCO, AMAWOVA, COHR, MSF and PLMPAM, condemning the twin incidents of April 7.The protest saw participation from Meira Paibis, women from various parts of Thoubal district, and women vendors of Thoubal Bazar.
Speaking in connection with the protest, KHUKAMPAL Thoubal president W Meipak expressed concern over the prevailing situation in the State, stating that the ongoing conflict has raised serious questions.
He alleged that repeated incidents of violence followed by brief periods of calm have caused continuous distress among the people.
He also criticised what he described as attempts to pacify the situation through ex-gratia compensation, questioning whether such measures could justify the loss of human lives.
He urged the leaders of the State to unite and take decisive steps to safeguard Manipur.
He further stated that if leaders are unable to do so, they should allow the people to take charge of their own governance.
A similar protest was also held at Khongjom, organised by the Progressive United Clubs' Organisation (PUCO) and Khongjom Circle Apunba in association with AMUCO, AMAWOVA, COHR, MSF and PLMPAM.
Meira Paibis and women from Langathel, Papal, Langthabal and Kheba Ching also took part in the protest.
During the demonstrations, protesters displayed placards with inscriptions such as "Repeal AFSPA", "Let us unite", "Stop state terrorism", "We condemn the killing of civilians", and "Go back Central forces" .
Speaking at the protest PUCO secretary N Narjit and Khongjom Circle Meira Paibi Lup secretary Mutum Nirmala demanded that those responsible for the bomb attack at Tronglaobi be identified and punished in accordance with the law.
They also questioned whether Manipur is being accorded equal importance within the country, raising concerns over the protection of citizens' rights.
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