Tension prevailed across Manipur on Wednesday (April 8) as widespread protests erupted in the valley after two minors died in Bishnupur district on April 7 in a bomb attack. Normalcy was severely disrupted, with markets, educational institutions, banks, and offices remaining closed. Roads were deserted as residents stayed indoors amid strict enforcement by security personnel.
In the aftermath of the blasts, the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) held a protest rally in Imphal on Wednesday. The protestors gathered at Wangkhei Andro Parking area around 3 pm, holding placards and banners demanding the resignation of Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh and State Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam over the incident.
The protestors were met with tear gas shells by the local police as they allegedly defied curfew restrictions, which were imposed after the explosion occurred. The police also prevented the rally from proceeding further.
Speaking to the Press, COCOMI executive member Nahakpam Shanta held the government accountable for the recent law and order disruption in the valley. He said that the administration failed to ensure the safety of civilians.
In addition to this, Shanta referred to an incident near a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) camp, where three young individuals were allegedly killed in a firing by security personnel. He described the alleged killings as indicative of serious lapses in governance and security arrangements.
Other than Imphal, a sit-in protest was also witnessed in the Kakching district, where members of the Keirak Apunba Meira Paibi condemned the attack and also raised concerns over the alleged use of force by CRPF personnel on civilians protesting the incident.
GOVERNMENT HOLDS COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF SITUATION
The Manipur government on Wednesday held a comprehensive review of the prevailing law and order situation. A press briefing highlighted a series of measures taken following the blast.
The Chief Minister, Yumnam Khemchand Singh, chaired a combined headquarters security (Unified Command) meeting at the state secretariat, attended by the state Home Minister Konthoujam Govindas Singh, senior officials, and representatives from central and state security forces, including the Army and paramilitary units.
According to the chief minister, the meeting carried out a detailed assessment of the current security scenario and discussed measures to address emerging challenges and ensure public safety. He reiterated the government’s commitment to maintaining peace and safeguarding citizens.
Meanwhile, security deployment has been intensified in the state, with strict curfew restrictions imposed on Imphal East, Imphal West, Bishnupur, Kakching and Thoubal districts.
– Ends
