Widespread protests erupt in Thoubal over Tronglaobi bomb attack; shutdown enforced in Yairipok
Source: The Sangai Express

Thoubal, April 07 2026: Widespread protests broke out across parts of Thoubal district on Tuesday following a deadly bomb attack allegedly carried out by Kuki militants at Tronglaobi Awang Leikai in Bishnupur district during the early hours of the day, leaving two minor children dead and their mother seriously injured.

Condemning the incident, residents of Yairipok launched intense agitations, announcing a total shutdown in the area along with the closure of government offices.

Early in the morning, large numbers of people gathered at Yairipok Keithel and staged demonstrations, expressing outrage over the tragic incident.

Protesters blocked key points including Yairipok bridge and the traffic island, burning tyres and disrupting vehicular movement.

As a result, major marketplaces such as Yairipok New Market and Tampha Keithel remained closed, with shops, banks, and other establishments suspending business activities.

The agitation was spearheaded by the Nongpok Sayang Apunba Lup (NSAL), along with several local clubs, Meira Paibi groups, and volunteers.

Demonstrators staged a sit-in protest at Yairipok Keithel Traffic Island, demanding the resignation of the Chief Minister, immediate arrest of those responsible, and protection of Manipur's territorial integrity.

Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the protest, NSAL president Ananda Laishram strongly condemned the attack, terming it a "cowardly act" in which explosives were allegedly hurled at a civilian residence at midnight, killing two children in their sleep and critically injuring their mother.

He further alleged that subsequent firing by security forces led to the deaths of three civilians, intensifying public anger.

He questioned the prevailing law and order situation, stating that despite assurances of free movement along national highways, such incidents continue to occur.

He also criticized political leaders and elected representatives for tailing to take effective measures to end the ongoing violence, alleging that their focus on political activities outside the state has emboldened perpetrators.

Demanding stringent action, NSAL urged the government to identify those responsible, hand over the case to the National Investigation Agency (NIA), and ensure exemplary punishment.

The organization warned that if immediate steps are not taken, it would intensify agitation in the coming days.

NSAL also clarified that the ongoing shutdown would exempt essential services such as fire and emergency services, water supply, electricity, healthcare, and religious or ritual ceremonies, while appealing to the public for cooperation.

Meanwhile, the Thoubal Kshetri Apunba Meira Paibi Lup also staged a sit-in protest along the Kasom Khullen State Highway at Thoubal Kshetri Leikai, partially blocking the road in protest against the killings.

Speaking during the demonstration, Meira Paibi leader Waikhom Ningol Sorokkhaibam Ongbi Jamini described the incident as deeply tragic and condemned the loss of two innocent children in the strongest terms.

She expressed anguish over the situation, stating that the state appears to be "without governance," and urged authorities to take swift and decisive action to restore public confidence.

The protests continue to intensify as public outrage mounts over the incident, with citizens demanding accountability and immediate intervention to prevent further violence.

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