Thousands Clash With Police in Imphal Amid Protests Over Manipur Issues

Imphal: Thousands of people seeking answers on key issues in strife-torn Manipur clashed with police in Imphal on Saturday after they were stopped from marching to the chief minister’s residence. The protest march was called by the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (Cocomi). Security was tightened across the city, with barricades erected at Keishampat Junction, Singjamei Chingamakhong, BT Road, Konung Mamang and Kangla’s western gate, among other locations, to prevent large groups from moving towards the CM Bungalow.

Clashes were reported from Khurai, Nagamapal, Konung Mamang and Uripok as protesters attempted to push through barricades. Security personnel fired tear gas shells and smoke bombs to disperse crowds, sources said, adding that around 25 protesters were injured.

Later, a delegation of Cocomi leaders was allowed to reach the chief minister’s bungalow and submit a memorandum listing its demands. In the memorandum, Cocomi raised questions on the state’s capacity to counter what it described as a “proxy war,” alleged narco-terrorism linked to Kuki groups, and sought justice in recent killings. The organisation also flagged demands including a judicial inquiry into the killing of three civilians at Tronglaobi, safe resettlement of internally displaced persons (IDPs), scrapping of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with militant groups, and implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC).

Cocomi convener YK Dhiren said the govt must respond quickly to the concerns raised. Tensions also surfaced within the protest ranks, with a section of demonstrators alleging Cocomi had not been transparent about the outcome of discussions with the govt. The discontent escalated and a Cocomi member was assaulted.

CM Yumnam Khemchand Singh said the govt was open to discussions and appealed to protesters to suspend agitation, citing disruption to students and daily wage earners. “We appeal to all concerned to engage in talks before resorting to agitation,” he said.

Home minister Govindas Konthoujam said the govt was aware of Cocomi’s call for a peaceful rally on April 25 and its earlier boycott of the Khongjom Day observance on April 23. He said the govt had invited Cocomi for talks on April 22, but the invitation was declined.

On security-related incidents, Konthoujam said investigations into the Tronglaobi blast and the TM Kasom incident had been handed over to the National Investigation Agency, with a team already deployed. He said findings would be shared once the probe produced concrete results.

On Cocomi’s demand to abrogate the SoO agreements, the home minister said the matter falls under the central govt’s jurisdiction, adding that the state has repeatedly conveyed its position to New Delhi. On NRC implementation and deportation of illegal immigrants, Konthoujam said the process had begun before the conflict, with committees formed to identify undocumented migrants, and would continue in coordination with the Centre.