Manipur erupts in protest over minors' killing in Bishnupur blast, curfew eased
Curfew relaxed from morning to afternoon to allow movement, while strict restrictions remain in place during night hours
Minors carrying placards and protesting for the children killed in the Bishnupur mortar blast in Manipur on Sunday (Photo: AT)
Imphal, Apr 12: Widespread protests demanding justice for the children killed in the Bishnupur mortar blast continued across multiple valley districts of Manipur on Sunday, coinciding with curfew relaxation hours announced by the authorities.
In Imphal West, a major rally organised by Uripok Apunba Lup, an umbrella civil society body, began from Lambui Khongnangkhong and moved towards the Bazar Overbridge area, drawing large crowds.
A significant number of children also participated in the demonstration, underscoring the emotional intensity surrounding the incident.
Protests were also reported along Airport Road in the Kwakeithel area. In Imphal East, rallies from Ukhrul Road, Tinset Road and Pangei Road converged at Lamlong Bazar, where thousands gathered.
Additional demonstrations took place in Sangakpham, Irilbung Bazar, Mayang Imphal, Kongba Nandeibam Leikai and Yumnam Huidrom, indicating that the agitation had spread widely across both Imphal East and West districts.
The protests centred on demands for justice for the victims, with demonstrators voicing strong resentment and calling for accountability.
“We, including residents of Uripok, mothers and club organisations, are rallying to demand justice for the two minors killed in the mortar attack and to protest against alleged security lapses by the CRPF,” said Sunil Dhruv Singh, General Secretary of Uripok Apunba Lup.
Meanwhile, in view of the prevailing situation, district magistrates of Imphal East, Imphal West and Bishnupur relaxed curfew from 5 am to 3 pm to facilitate public movement and essential activities.
However, restrictions remain in force from 3 pm to 5 am, with prohibitory orders on unlawful assembly and the carrying of weapons, sticks, stones or explosive materials.
Authorities said essential services, including health, electricity, water supply, banking, media and telecommunications, remain exempt.
The protests follow the recent incident in the Tronglaobi area of Moirang in Bishnupur district, where two minors were killed in a suspected mortar shell attack. The blast also left at least 25 people injured, triggering widespread outrage.
Security forces have been deployed in sensitive areas and are maintaining strict vigil to prevent any escalation.