Thousands of people defied prohibitory orders in Manipur’s Imphal West district and took out a torch march in protest against the recent bomb attack in which two children were killed, leading to clashes with security forces, officials said.
Thousands carrying torches began a march at around 7 pm on Thursday in Singhjami, demanding the immediate arrest of those responsible for the April 7 blast at Trunglupi in Bishnupur district that claimed the lives of two children.
Officials said that some demonstrators raised slogans against the security forces and verbally abused the officers deployed at the scene.
After covering nearly two kilometres, the rally reached Chingamathak, a few kilometers from the Prime Minister’s House, Police Headquarters and Lok Bhavan.
Security personnel, who were outnumbered, asked protesters to return because prohibitory orders were in effect, leading to a confrontation, officials said.
As the situation worsened, security forces fired several rounds of tear gas canisters and resorted to using batons to disperse the crowd. They added that several young men threw stones at the forces, which led to escalation of tensions.
Several people were injured in the clashes, with at least five taken to a nearby hospital with minor injuries and breathing difficulties due to tear gas smoke.
An official said, “There are elements trying to exploit the prevailing situation in the state to achieve their agendas against the government and the security forces.”
Orders prohibiting the movement of individuals outside their residences from 5pm to 5am remain in effect following the violent protests that broke out after the bomb attack in Trunglupi.
