Widespread protests continue across Thoubal, Kakching over Tronglaobi killings
Source: The Sangai Express

Thoubal/Kakching, April 21 2026 : Public anger over the April 7 Tronglaobi bomb attack and subsequent civilian deaths continued to intensify, with multiple protest demonstrations held across Thoubal and Kakching districts on Tuesday, demanding justice, accountability, and restoration of peace in the State.

A sit-in protest was organised at Yairipok Laimainai Thongkhong Keithel by a joint body of local clubs and organisations, including Laimanai Youth Club Yairipok (LYCY), Nongpok Ningthou Youth Association (NNYA), Top-Chingtha Youth Progressive Organisation (TYPO), Apunba Nupi Khunnai Lamjing Meira Lup (ANKLML), Imphal East District United Clubs Organisation (IEDUCO), and Eastern Clubs Development Organisation (ECDO) .

Widespread protests continue across Thoubal, Kakching over Tronglaobi killings

The agitation was conducted under the initiative of civil bodies such as AMUCO, COHR, MSF, AMAWOVA, and PLMPAM as part of ongoing statewide protests.

The demonstrators condemned the killing of two children in the Tronglaobi bomb blast and the alleged firing by CRPF personnel that reportedly claimed three civilian lives during a protest.

Participants, including Meira Paibi groups and club members from various localities, raised slogans such as "Long Live Manipur", "Go Back Central Forces", and "We Condemn Killing of Civilians".

Speaking on the sidelines, ANKLML president Ima Asem Ibetombi expressed deep anguish over the recent incidents.

She noted that people had hoped for peace following the end of President's Rule and the installation of a new Government, with many youths even surrendering weapons to the Governor in good faith.

However, the killing of innocent children, the deaths of protesting civilians, and reports of further violence have shattered those expectations.

She also questioned the role of political leaders, particularly Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen, urging the government to take decisive steps to restore peace and ensure justice.

"If the leaders are truly committed to the people, they must act without delay," she asserted.

In a separate development, the Chignung Maikei Apunba Meira Paibi Lup led a protest rally covering Nongpok Sekmai and surrounding areas.

The rally began at NESA Ground around 10:30 am, with a large number of women activists and local club members marching to submit a memorandum to the Chief Minister through the Deputy Commissioner of Thoubal.

Protesters raised slogans demanding punishment for those involved in the Tronglaobi attack and called for the abrogation of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with Kuki militant groups.

The rally passed through Icham Khunou and Charangpat without initial obstruction.

However, near Nepra Company, security forces fired tear gas shells and mock bombs to disperse the crowd, leading to injuries to four protesters - identified as Yumlembam Thanoubi (38), Wangjam Nongyai (25), Takhellambam Ngoubi (35), and Maibam Anita (42) .

The injured were shifted to District Hospital Thoubal for treatment.

The rally later regrouped with participation from Meira Paibi members of Charangpat.

Following brief tensions, an understanding was reached with authorities, and a group of women protesters was escorted by police to the Deputy Commissioner's office, where a memorandum addressed to the Chief Minister was submitted.

Meanwhile, a separate sit-in protest was also held at Kakching Khunou Keithel, organised by the Kakching Khunou Meira Paibi Welfare Association, with participation from Meira Paibi members of Umathel, Thongam, and Kakching Khunou.

The protest similarly condemned the killing of two children in the Tronglaobi incident.

Speaking at Kakching, COCOMI consultative committee member Sunil Karam questioned the effectiveness of the large deployment of Central security forces in the State.

He stated that despite the presence of over 70,000 personnel, authorities have failed to safeguard civilian lives and property.

He further criticised the frequent handing over of cases to the National Investigation Agency (NIA), stating that it undermines confidence in State institutions.

"If every major case is transferred outside the State, it raises serious questions about the role and capability of State forces and the justice system," he remarked.

The series of protests across multiple locations underscores the growing public discontent and mounting pressure on authorities to ensure justice, enhance security, and restore normalcy in the violence-affected State.