Clashes Escalate as Curfew Imposed Amid Protests in Manipur
Clashes and protests erupted across Manipur on Tuesday, intensifying tensions in the region. Incidents were reported from both hill and valley districts, prompting the Congress party to criticize the central government and advocate for dialogue to restore peace. The unrest was primarily driven by confrontations between two tribal communities near the borders of Senapati and Kangpokpi districts, triggered by a shutdown organized by a civil society group.
Background of the Unrest
The violence began when police attempted to dismantle a roadblock established by Naga volunteers enforcing a three-day shutdown called by the United Naga Council (UNC). This shutdown was a response to the killing of two individuals in Ukhrul district on April 18. An official indicated that the situation escalated when villagers from Changoubung became involved, resulting in stone-pelting between the opposing sides. Reports suggest that gunfire was exchanged during the chaos, although the source of the shots remains unclear.
The shutdown, which commenced at midnight on April 20, severely disrupted daily life in Naga-majority districts, including Ukhrul, Kamjong, Senapati, Noney, and Tamenglong.
Protests and Security Response
In a separate incident, clashes occurred during a torch rally in Imphal, where protesters gathered to mourn the deaths of two children killed in a bomb blast earlier this month. The rally, held in Imphal West district, turned violent as participants attempted to breach a restricted area near Lok Bhavan and the state BJP office. Security forces responded by deploying tear gas after protesters ignored curfew orders and advanced despite restrictions.
An officer reported that protesters hurled stones and iron pellets from catapults, endangering the lives of the outnumbered security personnel. Curfew measures are currently enforced in five valley districts from 5 PM to 5 AM. Authorities have arrested 19 individuals in Imphal West for violating curfew regulations and for offenses such as blocking roads and damaging public property.
Candlelight Vigil and Civil Society Response
Meanwhile, a candlelight vigil was conducted in Ukhrul to honor the two civilians who lost their lives in an ambush in the TM Kasom area on April 18. Civil society organizations condemned these killings, alleging that Kuki militants used sniper rifles in the attack.
In New Delhi, the Congress party criticized the central government for its handling of the violence, calling for compensation for victims, an economic package for the state, and dialogue among stakeholders. Congress MP A. Bimol Akoijam stated that the party’s Manipur unit submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi through the governor. The demands include thorough investigations into recent killings, restoration of law and order, and ensuring safe access to essential services.
Akoijam expressed concern over the Prime Minister’s lack of engagement with the situation, stating that he could have made a brief visit to Imphal to assess the circumstances. He emphasized that the ongoing violence reflects a failure to address the issues plaguing the region over the past three years.
Ongoing Violence and Government Accountability
Referring to the tragic incident on April 7 in Bishnupur district, where two children were killed, Akoijam highlighted the need for urgent action. He described the scene of the attack, where a mother and her children were asleep when an explosion occurred, resulting in the children’s deaths. He asserted that such incidents underscore the ongoing instability in Manipur.
Akoijam also criticized the central government for its inadequate response to the violence. He pointed out that the Prime Minister and Home Minister have not publicly addressed the situation, instead focusing on legislative matters such as a women’s reservation bill. He argued that these actions detract from the pressing issues faced by marginalized states like Manipur.
Additionally, Akoijam raised concerns about the establishment of “buffer zones” in the state, questioning their legal basis and the delayed response of security forces to recent incidents. State Congress leaders previously met with Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla to express their worries about the deteriorating law and order situation and to urge immediate measures to restore normalcy.
As reported by www.timesnownews.com.
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Published on 2026-04-21 17:48:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk