At least 21 people were arrested and three Central Reserve Police Force personnel grievously injured after protests over a recent bomb attack turned violent in Manipur’s valley districts, even as the state government ordered strict action against absent employees during an ongoing shutdown.
The violence erupted during a torch rally on April 18 in Imphal West, where protesters allegedly pelted stones and hurled petrol bombs at security personnel.
Police said mobs also used catapults and boulders, damaging vehicles and leaving multiple personnel injured, including three from the 232 Battalion of the CRPF.
Authorities confirmed that 21 people have been arrested in connection with the incident. In a separate case, a 23-year-old man from Imphal East was held for allegedly making provocative statements on social media and inciting violence. He is said to be linked to Arambai Tenggol.
Shutdown intensifies tensions across regions
The unrest comes amid a five-day shutdown called by Meira Paibi groups in valley districts to protest the killing of two children in a bomb attack at Tronglaobi in Bishnupur on April 7. The bandh, which began on April 19, has affected normal life in Imphal East, Imphal West, Kakching and Tengnoupal.
Adding to the strain, the United Naga Council has called a three-day shutdown across Naga-inhabited areas from Monday, protesting the killing of two civilians in an ambush in Ukhrul on April 18.
Also read: Manipur CM visits conflict-hit Ukhrul district, urges harmony
Despite appeals for calm, protests continued on Sunday evening, with thousands taking to the streets at multiple locations. Clashes were reported from areas including Uripok, Koirengei, Khabam Lamkhai and Kakching town, prompting security forces to fire tear gas shells to disperse the crowds.
Govt warns staff, seeks normalcy
Amid the escalating unrest, Chief Secretary Puneet Kumar Goel directed all departments to ensure attendance in government offices, warning of disciplinary action against employees absent without authorised leave.
“Attendance reports should be sent to the administrative departments concerned. Departmental proceedings should be taken up against those who are absent from duty without authorised leave,” the order said.
Deputy commissioners have been instructed to ensure that offices function normally despite the shutdown.
State Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam appealed for the bandh to be withdrawn, citing widespread hardship.
“We have held talks with the Joint Action Committee… Hardships of the shutdown are felt by all, children whose education is disrupted, daily wage earners, farmers and business persons. I want to appeal… for the revocation of the shutdown,” he said.
Police have warned that strict action will be taken against those attempting to incite violence or disturb communal harmony, as tensions continue to simmer across the state.
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