Tension prevailed across Manipur on Wednesday as widespread protests erupted in the valley after two minors died in a bomb attack in Bishnupur district on April 7. Normalcy was severely disrupted, with markets, educational institutions, banks, and offices remaining closed across the state.
In the aftermath of the blasts, the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) held a protest rally in Imphal, demanding the resignation of Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh and State Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam.
The Bomb Attack
- Location: Bishnupur district, Manipur
- Date: April 7, 2026
- Victims: Two minors (children)
- Nature: Bomb attack
Protests and Police Response
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Protesting Body | Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) |
| Location | Wangkhei Andro Parking area, Imphal |
| Time | Around 3 pm, April 8 |
| Demands | Resignation of CM Y Khemchand Singh and Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam |
| Police Action | Tear gas shells fired as protesters allegedly defied curfew restrictions |
The protestors gathered at Wangkhei Andro Parking area around 3 pm, holding placards and banners. They were met with tear gas shells by the local police as they allegedly defied curfew restrictions, which were imposed after the explosion occurred. The police also prevented the rally from proceeding further.
COCOMI’s Statement
Speaking to the press, COCOMI executive member Nahakpam Shanta held the government accountable for the recent law and order disruption in the valley. He said that the administration failed to ensure the safety of civilians.
Shanta also referred to an incident near a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) camp, where three young individuals were allegedly killed in a firing by security personnel. He described the alleged killings as indicative of serious lapses in governance and security arrangements.
Protests in Other Districts
Other than Imphal, a sit-in protest was also witnessed in Kakching district, where members of the Keirak Apunba Meira Paibi condemned the attack and also raised concerns over the alleged use of force by CRPF personnel on civilians protesting the incident.
Government Response: Unified Command Meeting
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Meeting | Combined headquarters security (Unified Command) meeting |
| Chaired By | Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh |
| Attendees | Home Minister, senior officials, Army, paramilitary units |
| Purpose | Assessment of security scenario, measures for public safety |
The Manipur government held a comprehensive review of the prevailing law and order situation. Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh chaired a combined headquarters security (Unified Command) meeting at the state secretariat.
According to the chief minister, the meeting carried out a detailed assessment of the current security scenario and discussed measures to address emerging challenges and ensure public safety. He reiterated the government’s commitment to maintaining peace and safeguarding citizens.
Security Measures
- Curfew Imposed In: Imphal East, Imphal West, Bishnupur, Kakching, Thoubal districts
- Security Deployment: Intensified across the state
- Restrictions: Strict curfew enforcement
