New Delhi: A torch rally in Imphal West’s Sagolband on Saturday turned tense after security forces used tear gas to disperse the protesters amid a fresh spurt of violence in Manipur. The agitators were demanding accountability for the deaths of two children in Tronglaobi.
The protest was part of a series of demonstrations across Manipur. The participants were shouting slogans while holding torches when the security personnel resorted to tear gas firing. The smoke reportedly created confusion and panic in the area with residents rushed to safer areas.
Imphal, Manipur: Protests demanding justice in the Tronglaobi incident intensified late on Saturday, as hundreds of women and residents held torch rallies in Sagolband, Imphal West pic.twitter.com/nByK10AyiP
— IANS (@ians_india) April 18, 2026
There were chaos and confusion in the area as shells were fired in quick succession. Several of the protesters were arrested by the security forces. Heavy security was later deployed in the area to suppress any flareup.
Public resentment building ever since the April 7
Public resentment has been building ever since the April 7 attack on a residential house at Moirang Tronglaobi village in Bishnupur. Suspected militants launched rocket bombs at a house resulting in the deaths of a five-year-old boy and his five-month-old sister. Their mother suffered injuries in the attack.
According to reports, five suspects from United Kuki National Army have been taken into custody in relation with the case.
The protesters allege that despite prolonged instability the security agencies have failed to prevent violence in the state.
Two killed in an ambush in Ukhrul
Meanwhile, a retired Army personnel was among two persons shot dead by suspected militants in an ambush in Ukhrul district on Saturday. The incident took place at T M Kasom village in Litan police station area in the afternoon.
The deceased were identified as Chinaoshang Shokwungnao, a retired Army personnel, from Tashar village; and Yaruingam Vashum from Kharasom village. Chief minister Y Khemchand Singh announced that the probe in the incident will be handed over to the NIA.