Women-led rallies, shutdowns and curfew violations escalates tension as public anger grows over delayed justice
Imphal: Tension across Manipur continues to escalate as widespread protests, largely led by women’s groups, intensify following the killing of two young siblings in a bomb attack, earlier this month. Night-time torch rallies, spearheaded by the Meira Paibis, have emerged as a powerful expression of public anger, while daytime blockades have brought normal life to a near standstill.
The protests were triggered by the April 7 explosion in Tronglaobi Awang Leikai, which killed a five-year-old boy and his infant sister and left their mother injured. Since then, demonstrators have demanded swift arrests, setting April 25 as a deadline.
Adding to the pressure, members of the legal fraternity staged a sit-in outside the Cheirap Court Complex, calling for accountability. Raising slogans such as “Justice for the victims,” lawyers urged authorities to take “stringent action against those responsible.”
Meanwhile, a five-day shutdown has paralysed valley districts, with markets, schools, and transport services largely suspended. Police have cautioned that “anti-social elements” may be exploiting the protests to incite violence, urging restraint and responsible conduct.
Amid the growing unrest, Chief Minister Y. Khemchand Singh appealed for calm, stating that the violence appears aimed at “derailing peace efforts.” He assured that authorities are working to identify and apprehend those involved. Despite these assurances, the situation remains tense.
The unrest has also been compounded by recent killings in Ukhrul, prompting separate vigils and further outrage. While officials maintain that investigations are underway, public frustration remains high.
As the crisis unfolds, the state remains on edge, with heightened security, ongoing protests, and growing calls for accountability.
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