Manipur remains engulfed in unrest as protests intensified on Tuesday in Keishamthong, following the tragic bomb attack on April 7 that claimed the lives of two young siblings. Demonstrators are calling for immediate justice and enhanced security measures in response to the incident that has profoundly affected the state.
The protest movement has spread across multiple districts, leading to a widespread five-day shutdown that has severely disrupted daily life. Markets have been shuttered and public transportation has largely come to a halt, underscoring the magnitude of the ongoing agitation. Protesters have also criticized the state government and accused militant groups of orchestrating the attack.
The victims, a five-year-old boy and his five-month-old sister, died after an explosive device was hurled into their home while they were asleep. Their mother sustained injuries in the attack. Civil society organizations, including Meira Paibi groups, have escalated their demands for arrests and have set deadlines for authorities to take action.
In a significant development, security forces have been deployed in greater numbers across sensitive areas, with Rapid Action Force units brought in following a rise in tensions at various locations. Clashes have erupted during protests, with law enforcement resorting to tear gas and other crowd-control tactics after some demonstrators allegedly retaliated with stone pelting and slingshots.
Police officials have expressed concern over certain elements within the protests reportedly engaging in violent behavior, including the use of crude weapons and explosives, which has complicated efforts to maintain order during public demonstrations.
