Guwahati: Fresh violence was reported on Tuesday, April 14, in the Thinungei area of Manipur’s Bishnupur district, where clashes between security personnel and protesters left at least six people injured.
Following the incident, authorities enforced an indefinite curfew across the district under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023.
Tensions escalated around midday, with residents claiming that several rounds of tear gas and live bullets were used during the confrontation. However, officials had not confirmed the exact nature of force used at the time this report was prepared.
Some protesters, who did not wish to be identified, claimed that vehicles suspected of transporting arms were stopped, which they believe triggered the escalation. During the unrest, a mob reportedly set at least one vehicle on fire.
Additional security forces, including personnel from the Rapid Action Force (RAF), were deployed in the area to restore order.
At the same time, demonstrators continued blocking roads, causing major disruption to movement in and around Thinungei. Witnesses said protesters were stopping vehicles and inspecting them, targeting those they considered suspicious.
Manipur Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam asked the public to remain calm and patient, saying that the investigation into the Tronglaobi bomb blast will take time before any conclusions are reached.
He stated that those responsible cannot be identified immediately and requested time to complete the inquiry.
Appealing for cooperation, Konthoujam said the government is aware of the public’s concerns after the incident and is working accordingly. Speaking about camps linked to the banned outfit UNLF, he said steps are being taken in line with the peace agreement signed with the Government of India.
He further said that the shutdown of certain illegal camps is currently in progress under the agreement, adding that the authorities had already allowed sufficient time for compliance and were hopeful of a favourable response.