Curfew Broken, Anger Spills Onto Streets: Manipur Protests Intensify After Deadly Mortar Strike

Tension remained high in parts of Manipur as protesters took to the streets despite strict curfew restrictions. The demonstrations were held in five valley districts following a tragic mortar attack that killed two children in Bishnupur district.

The incident has sparked anger and grief among residents, leading to widespread protests.

What Triggered the Protests?

The protests were sparked by a recent attack in the Bishnupur district, where a mortar shell reportedly hit a civilian area, resulting in the deaths of two young children. The incident shocked the local community and raised serious concerns about safety and security in the region.

Many residents believe that stronger action should have been taken earlier to prevent such violence. The deaths of the children became a turning point, leading people to come out in large numbers to demand justice.

Protesters Take to the Streets Despite Curfew

Even though curfew restrictions were in place, protesters gathered in several areas across the valley districts. Demonstrations were reported in locations such as Keisampat, Malom, and Kwakeithel.

At Keisampat, security forces, including the Rapid Action Force (RAF) of the Central Reserve Police Force, tried to control the situation. Authorities placed warning banners declaring the gathering unlawful and asked people to disperse. However, many protesters chose to continue their rallies.

In contrast, protests in Malom and Kwakeithel remained largely peaceful, with people expressing their anger through slogans and public gatherings without major clashes.

Civil Society Groups Lead the Movement

The protest at Keisampat was organised by the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (CoCoMI), a prominent civil society group in the valley.

Representatives from five major organisations joined the protest and voiced their dissatisfaction with the government's response to the incident. Speaking on behalf of the groups, Th. Komdombi said that the people were deeply hurt and angry.

He stressed that the death of two innocent children cannot be ignored and called for accountability. The groups are demanding stronger action against those responsible for the attack and better protection for civilians.

Government Responds to Public Anger

Chief Minister N. Biren Singh responded to the situation by assuring the public that the government is taking the matter seriously.

He said that the state government is in close coordination with Union Home Minister Amit Shah. According to him, strict action will be taken against those behind the attack.

The government has also promised to strengthen security measures to prevent such incidents in the future.

A State on Edge

The protests highlight the ongoing tension and fragile situation in Manipur. While people are demanding justice and safety, authorities are trying to maintain law and order.

The coming days will be important as the government's actions and response will likely determine whether the situation calms down or escalates further.

For now, the voices of the protesters reflect a deep demand for accountability, justice, and lasting peace in the region.