Manipur Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh on Thursday assured strict action against those responsible for a bomb attack in Bishnupur district that killed two children, even as protests intensified across the valley districts.
The Chief Minister said the state government was taking all necessary measures in coordination with the Centre to respond to the incident and restore normalcy. He added that he was in constant touch with Union Home Minister Amit Shah to ensure an effective response.
The remarks came after a meeting with representatives of the All Manipur United Clubs Organisation (AMUCO) and other civil society groups at the state secretariat. State Home Minister K Govindas Singh and several MLAs were also present.
Describing the Bishnupur attack as “deeply unfortunate”, Y Khemchand Singh said it had disrupted ongoing efforts to restore peace in the state.
“The situation has been taken with utmost seriousness,” he said, assuring that those responsible would be identified and dealt with strictly in accordance with the law. He also urged civil society organisations and the public to cooperate in maintaining peace.
The meeting followed widespread protests across five valley districts, with hundreds of people taking to the streets under the banner of AMUCO. Demonstrators rallied from its office near Kwakeithel, condemning the killings and demanding immediate arrest of the perpetrators.
Several children were seen holding posters of the victims during the protest. Security forces prevented the rally from advancing further, and later escorted representatives to meet the Chief Minister.
Also read: Manipur remains tense but calm after blast killed 2 children
The incident occurred on April 7 in Tronglaobi village of Bishnupur district, where suspected militants hurled a bomb at a residence, killing a five-year-old boy and his six-month-old sister.
Tensions escalated soon after, when a mob of around 500 protesters stormed a CRPF camp near Gelmol, a few hundred metres from the site of the attack. The mob allegedly vandalised the camp and set security vehicles on fire.
In the ensuing firing by security forces, three protesters were killed and around 30 others injured.
Fresh protests were reported from several areas, including Samurou in Imphal West district, where demonstrators attempted to march towards the Chief Minister’s residence but were stopped by police.
Incidents of tyre-burning and road blockades were reported from Moirang Lamkhai and Ningthoukhong in Bishnupur district, as well as parts of Imphal East, Thoubal and Kakching districts.
Clashes also broke out at Khurai Lamlong in Imphal East on Wednesday night, where protesters resorted to stone-pelting, prompting security forces to fire tear gas shells to disperse the crowd.
Meanwhile, police have arrested three suspected cadres of the United Kuki National Army during operations following the incident, though their direct involvement in the blast is yet to be confirmed.
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