#Manipur : Torch Rally Turns Violent , Protestors Clash With Security Forces After Bomb Attack Kills Two Childen

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Thousands of people defied prohibitory orders in Manipur’s Imphal West district and took out a torch rally to protest the recent bomb attack in which two children were killed, triggering clashes with security forces, officials said.

Thousands carrying torches began the rally around 7 pm on Thursday at Singjamei, demanding the immediate arrest of those responsible for the April 7 blast at Tronglaobi in Bishnupur district that claimed the lives of two children.

Officials said some protesters raised slogans against the security forces and verbally abused personnel deployed at the spot.

After covering nearly 2 km, the rally reached Chingamathak, a few km from the chief minister’s bungalow, police headquarters and Lok Bhavan.

Security personnel, who were heavily outnumbered, asked the protesters to turn back as prohibitory orders were in force, leading to a confrontation, officials said.

As the situation turned volatile, security forces fired several rounds of tear gas shells and resorted to baton charges to disperse the crowd. Several youths allegedly pelted stones at the forces, further escalating tensions, they said.

Several people were injured in the clashes, with at least five taken to a nearby hospital for minor injuries and breathing difficulties caused by tear gas smoke.

“There are elements trying to take advantage of the prevailing situation in the state for their respective anti-government and anti-security forces agendas,” an official said.

Orders prohibiting the movement of individuals outside their residences from 5 pm to 5 am remain in force following the violent protests that erupted after the Tronglaobi bomb attack.

Manwhile , In continuation of ongoing operations astride national highway (NH)-202, the security forces led by Red Shield Division launched coordinated Joint Area Domination Patrols again in the general areas of Jalenbung hills and Thoyee Heights, aimed at maintaining security and preventing re-establishment of hostile infrastructure.

The operation commenced with two joint columns comprising teams from the Indian Army, CAPF and the Manipur police carrying out the operation on both sides of the highway, respectively, an official release said.

In the Jalenbung Hills, a systematic sweep resulted in the identification and subsequent destruction of multiple bunkers that had previously been dismantled but were found to be re-established. A total of five such bunkers were destroyed in the area.

Simultaneously, in Thoyee Heights, a series of bunkers along the Mahadev Hills and Thoyee Heights were identified. Five repaired bunkers that had earlier been dismantled were destroyed again.

Overall, a total of ten bunkers were destroyed during the coordinated operation.