Widespread protests, candlelight vigil continue over Tronglaobi attack
Source: The Sangai Express

Moirang/Kakching, April 10 2026: Public anger continued to intensify over the recent violence at Tronglaobi, with widespread protest demonstrations and candlelight vigils held across several locations condemning the bomb attack that killed two children and the subsequent firing by the CRPF towards protesters, which allegedly led to the deaths of three civilians and injuries to many others.

In Tronglaobi, residents blocked the Tiddim Road on Friday and staged a sit-in protest in the middle of the highway, demanding justice for the victims and immediate action against those responsible.

Widespread protests, candlelight vigil continue over Tronglaobi attack

Protester Kongkham Kunjeshori said the bomb attack carried out on the intervening night of April 6 and 7, which killed two children and seriously injured their mother, has created deep fear among residents, particularly those living in peripheral and hill-adjacent areas.

She said civilians are now unable to feel safe even inside their homes.

Expressing suspicion over the nature of the attack, she said the incident raises serious questions about how such an act could be carried out in a civilian area and called for a thorough investigation.

She further urged both the Central and State governments to take urgent steps to end the ongoing conflict, including reviewing security deployment, cracking down on Kuki militant operations, and withdrawing the Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreements to restore peace and stability.

She also appealed for an end to the violence within five days, warning that continued unrest would deepen public suffering.

Stressing unity, she called on all communities to ensure that the Tronglaobi incident remains the last such tragedy in the State.

The protest saw participation from several children, who carried placards reading slogans such as "Save our lives", "Let us live peacefully on our mother's lap", "Withdraw Central Forces", "We want justice", and "Punish irresponsible forces" .

Meanwhile, in Keinou, the Keinou Apunba Meira Paibi Lup organised a candlelight vigil at Keinou Thongkhong Community Hall on Thursday night, observing a minute's silence in memory of the deceased and praying for the departed souls.

In Kakching, the Kakching Keithel Apunba Ema Lup staged a sit-in protest at Kakching Keithel condemning the bomb attack and the alleged firing incident.

The demonstration witnessed participation from women vendors belonging to different communities, including Meitei Pangal, tribal mothers, and representatives of civil society organisations.

Speaking on the sidelines of the protest, Kshetrimayum Namosakhi strongly condemned both incidents, stating that the killing of innocent children and civilians is unacceptable.

She said that if central security forces are unable to protect civilians, they should be withdrawn from the region, and urged the government to take immediate steps to restore peace.

Another protester, Kshetrimayum Chhatradhari, president of the Joint NonGovernment Voluntary Organisation, Kakching, also condemned the violence in strong terms.

She demanded stringent punishment for those involved and called on the government to act decisively to ensure that such incidents do not recur, asserting that justice must be delivered to the victims and their families.