Normal life has been disrupted in many hill and valley areas of Manipur following a double lockdown linked to two incidents of suspected militant attack earlier this month.
One incident occurred on April 7, when two children were killed in a bomb attack in Trunglupi in Bishnupur. In another incident, a retired army soldier was killed during an ambush by Kuki militants near Litan village, on April 18.
What happened
A 5-year-old boy and his 6-month-old sister were killed while sleeping, and their mother injured, in a bomb attack in Trunglupi in Bishnupur district.
The incident occurred on April 7, with the protest continuing since April 11.
Subsequently, three protesters were killed during firing by the CRPF in Jhilmul village in Churachandpur, an area dominated by Kuki Zo. The government imposed a three-day suspension of internet service on April 7, citing the “fluctuating law and order situation,” HT reported.
While broadband services, specifically leased Internet lines and fiber-to-the-home connections, were conditionally restored on April 8, restrictions on mobile Internet continued in a phased manner. The ban was eventually lifted on Saturday.
6 wounded in clashes
Clashes broke out between security forces and protesters at a torch march in Thangmibandh area of Imphal in Manipur on Saturday, leaving six people injured. Three CRPF personnel were also among the six persons.
Security forces prevented protesters from marching towards Khoirampand Ima Market, leading to a confrontation in Thangmiband, Sagulband and Yoribuk areas of West Imphal.
Security forces began the attack, firing tear gas, fake bombs, rubber bullets, and live bullets to control the demonstrators. On the other hand, the demonstrators also responded by throwing stones and slingshots.
Following the clashes, several civic bodies, including the Mira Bibis (a group of Meitei women), called for a complete five-day lockdown from midnight on Sunday.
Also Read: Manipur government asks department heads to take action against absent employees during lockdown protest
Close the twin
The lockdown led to the closure of many markets. Educational institutions remained closed and public transportation remained off the roads in all five districts of the valley, PTI reported.
Sit-ins were held against the killings in different parts of Imphal Valley, including in Uripuk and Nagaram district.
Also Read: Many anti-social elements participate in night torch marches: Manipur Police
Meanwhile, the United Naga Council called for another lockdown from Monday to condemn the killing of a retired army man in another suspected militant attack. On April 18, a former Indian Army soldier was allegedly killed during an ambush by suspected militants from Kuki near Litan village, HT had earlier reported.
People continued their protests on Tuesday to demand justice for the murders. Rohan Velim, a protester and social activist, told RIA Novosti that the protest will continue until “justice is achieved.”
