Protests continue in Thoubal, Bishnupur over killing of two children
Curfew disrupts normal life in Bishnupur
Source: The Sangai Express

Thoubal/Bishnupur, April 08 2026: Widespread protests continued across Thoubal, Kakching and Bishnupur districts on Wednesday, strongly condemning the alleged bomb attack at Tronglaobi Awang Leikai in the early hours of April 7 that killed two children and seriously injured their mother.

At Khangabok in Thoubal district, Meira Paibis along with local youths staged a sit-in protest in front of Khangabok Higher Secondary School, partially blocking National Highway-102.Protesters demanding justice for the victims and an end to the ongoing violence in Manipur.

Speaking on the sidelines, Meira Paibi leader Th Muhini expressed strong resentment against the Central and State Governments, questioning their role in ensuring the safety of civilians.

Alleging bias in handling the situation, she urged authorities to take immediate steps to end the prolonged conflict.

She also condemned the reported firing on protesting civilians by central forces, terming it unfortunate and unacceptable.

Demonstrators held placards with slogans calling for the arrest of those responsible for the killing of the children and stronger measures to restore peace.

In Nongpok Sekmai, large numbers of women staged a torch rally condemning the incident.

Meira Paibis from Ingourok, Hijam Khunou, Shikhong, Ukhongsang and Shikhong Keithel gathered at NESA Ground before marching through the locality.

Speaking in connection with the protest, a Meira Paibi leader described the killing of two sleeping children as a deeply shocking and tragic incident, and urged authorities to conduct combing operations and arrest the perpetrators and ensure stringent punishment for those responsible.

Meanwhile, Keirak Apunba Meira Paibi organised a sit-in protest at Keirak Keithel Lampak Community Hall, condemning both the Tronglaobi incident and the reported firing on protesting civilians.

Speaking at the protest, Khaidem Ongbi Lembi Leima said the incident had deeply shaken mothers across the State and appealed for urgent steps to restore peace and normalcy.

In Bishnupur district, a sit-in protest was held at Ningthoukhong Keithel, jointly organised by the 16 wards of Ningthoukhong Municipal Council and Gram Panchayats.

Condemning the incident, Ningthoukhong Women's Wing president RK Tombisana termed the killing of the children as inhumane and deeply disturbing, stating that similar incidents had occurred earlier at Jiribam as well.

She further questioned the reported firing by central forces on civilians, alleging that the use of live ammunition without prior warning was unjustified.

Calling for accountability, she demanded an immediate departmental enquiry and strict action against those responsible.

Protesters also urged the authorities to ensure transparency regarding the arrest and punishment of those involved in the killing, while calling for effective measures to safeguard civilians.

Meanwhile, following the imposition of curfew in Bishnupur district, normal life has been severely disrupted.

Major markets including Nambol Keithel, Bishnupur Keithel, Ningthoukhong Keithel, Moirang Lamkhai, Moirang Keithel, Kumbi Keithel and Kwakta Bazar remained closed, while government offices, banks and business establishments also shut down.

Passenger transport services along Tiddim Road and inter-village routes were suspended.

Residents of Tronglaobi and Sunusiphai also blocked Tiddim Road, restricting vehicular movement as part of the protest.

The situation remains tense across the affected districts, with authorities closely monitoring developments.

Comment