Imphal: Clashes broke out between protesters and security forces in Imphal on Monday night during a torch rally held in protest against the killing of two children in a recent projectile attack in Bishnupur district.
The children were killed in an explosion at Tronglaobi on April 7, an incident that has triggered daily protests across the valley districts, with demonstrators demanding accountability and stronger action from authorities.
Police said the torch rally, covering around seven kilometres from Mayai Lambi to Keishamthong in Imphal West district, turned tense when participants attempted to move beyond the permitted route towards Keisampat, a sensitive area near key administrative installations.
Security forces used tear gas to disperse the crowd after hundreds of protesters allegedly violated curfew restrictions and engaged in clashes with personnel. Officials said demonstrators pelted stones and used catapults with iron pellets, posing risks to security forces deployed on the ground.
Curfew restrictions remain in force across five valley districts, prohibiting movement outside homes between 5 p.m. and 5 a.m.
Police said 19 people have been arrested from different parts of Imphal West for curfew violations, road blockades and damage to public property, with arrests made on April 19.
Meanwhile, a separate candlelight vigil was held in Ukhrul district on Monday night to mourn two civilians killed in an ambush in the T.M. Kasom area on April 18. Civil society organisations from both hill and valley regions condemned the killings, alleging that the victims were targeted by armed militants using sniper fire.