Statewide protests continue over Tronglaobi tragedy, demand justice for civilian killings
Source: The Sangai Express

Thoubal/Bishnupur, April 12 2026: Anguish over the tragic Tronglaobi bomb attack that claimed the lives of two children, along with the killing of three civilians due to alleged indiscriminate firing by the CRPF, widespread protests, sit-in demonstrations, torch rallies, and public discussions were held across various parts of Manipur.

At Wangjing, the Wangjing Apunba Club Organisation (WANGGPACO) staged a sit-in protest followed by a public discussion at Wangjing Lakpa Iningthou Sanglen today.

Protesters held placards reading slogans such as "We condemn killing of civilians by security forces who are there to protect people", "Let justice be served for every child", "We condemn violation of children's rights", "Protect child rights", and "Go back central forces" .

Statewide protests continue over Tronglaobi tragedy, demand justice for civilian killings

During the protest, several prominent speakers including COCOMI convenor N Santa, FOCS ex-president Th Manihar, and Imagi Meira president Ima Sujata addressed the gathering, sharing their perspectives on the prevailing situation in Manipur.

WANGGPACO general secretary Naorem Iboyaima stated that central forces, entrusted with safeguarding citizens, have instead instilled fear by allegedly targeting civilians.

He further expressed suspicion over possible collusion between the Government of India and Kuki militants, alleging attempts to eradicate the Meitei community.

He noted that the public discussion was organised to collectively understand and condemn the Tronglaobi incident.

At Kakching, a large number of residents from Langmeidong staged a torch rally on Saturday evening condemning the twin incidents.

The rally, jointly organised by the Langmeidong United Clubs Organisation (LUCO) and Langmeidong Meira Paibi Apunba Lup (LMPAL), began at Langmeidong Kangjeibung and proceeded along Burma Sugnu Road up to Laimanai Lamkhai before returning to the starting point.

Protesters raised slogans such as "We condemn the act of Kuki narco terrorists", "Chase away Kuki narco terrorists from Manipur", "We want justice for the Tronglaobi incident", "Stop proxy war", "Conduct NRC before Census", and "Save the territorial integrity of Manipur".

Following the rally, participants held a candlelight vigil, offering prayers for the two children killed in the bomb blast and the three civilians who lost their lives during the CRPF firing.

LUCO president Ch Manishwar demanded that the government identify those responsible for the "barbaric act" and ensure the strictest punishment as per the law.

He also urged authorities to take appropriate measures to prevent such incidents in the future.

In Bishnupur district, internally displaced persons (IDPs) residing at Moirang College Block B Relief Camp staged a sit-in protest condemning the inhumane bomb attack and the subsequent killing of civilians by Central forces.

Protesters, including family members of the deceased, demanded strict legal action against those involved.

Among them was the wife of Laishram Jiten, one of the civilians killed in the firing, who participated in the protest along with her children.

Irom Nandini, an IDP displaced from Churachandpur's Thengra Leirak, strongly condemned the twin incidents, calling them part of a larger "proxy war" being waged by the Government of India using Chin-Kuki narcoterrorists.

She also criticised the government's approach of offering monetary compensation in place of meaningful resolution, asserting that violence in the state must end before the upcoming elections.

Laishram Ongbi Ashalata, wife of the late Jiten, recounted her family's struggle, stating that they had fled their home seeking safety, only to lose her husband.

She expressed anguish over the uncertainty of their future, highlighting the difficulties of sustaining a family in a relief camp with limited assistance.

Meanwhile, in Tronglaobi, thousands of residents participated in a massive torch rally condemning the twin incidents.

The rally began from Tronglaobi and proceeded towards Moirang Lamkhai, where members of the Moirang Apunba Meira Paibi (MAMPIL) joined before moving towards Moirang Police Station Mamang.

After staging protests there, the rally returned to Tronglaobi.

Participants raised slogans such as "We condemn killing of innocent civilians", "Punish those involved in killing children", "Narendra Modi Down Down", "Amit Shah Down Down", "The Government that cannot protect civilians must resign," and "We want justice".

Many protesters remarked that it is no longer for us to issue statements through press media as leaders are turning mute spectators, stressing the need for collective public action to ensure their voices are heard by the leaders.

Further torch rallies condemning the incident were also held in Sendra, Ithing, Khola, and Moirang Khunou Makha, Maning, and Mayai Leikai, with local Meira Paibi groups and residents demanding justice for the victims.

The widespread demonstrations reflect growing public outrage and grief over the Tronglaobi tragedy, with citizens across the state uniting in their demand for accountability, justice, and an end to the ongoing violence.