Fresh Bishnupur clashes injure six; Manipur govt urges patience in blast probe
Tension escalated around noon after protesters intercepted suspected vehicles, alleging movement of weapons in Thinungei
An overturned vehicle, allegedly torched during the clash, lies on the road as security forces approach. (AT Photo)
Imphal, Apr 14: Fresh clashes broke out between security forces and protesters in the Thinungei area of Manipur’s Bishnupur district on Tuesday, leaving at least six persons injured.
In the wake of the fresh clashes, authorities have imposed an indefinite curfew across the district under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023.
The situation deteriorated around noon, with locals reporting multiple rounds of tear gas shells and live ammunition being fired during the clashes. However, there was no official confirmation on the nature of force used at the time of filing this report.
Some protesters, speaking on condition of anonymity, alleged that certain vehicles suspected of carrying weapons were intercepted, which they claimed led to an escalation in tensions.
In the course of the unrest, at least one vehicle was set ablaze by a mob. Security forces, including Rapid Action Force (RAF), have since been deployed in large numbers (see video) to bring the situation under control.
Protesters, meanwhile, continued to enforce road blockades, severely disrupting movement in and around Thinungei.
Eyewitnesses said demonstrators were also checking vehicles, targeting what they described as “suspected vehicles”.
Meanwhile, Manipur Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam appealed for patience over the ongoing investigation into the Tronglaobi bomb attack, stating that identifying those responsible would take time.
“Any kind of investigation cannot be completed within a day or two. It will take some time to identify the real culprits and perpetrators. The government should be given time to carry out its duties,” he said.
Urging people across the state to cooperate with authorities, Konthoujam said the government is cognisant of public sentiment following the incident.
On the relocation of camps linked to the proscribed outfit UNLF, the minister said the process is being carried out in accordance with the peace agreement signed with the Government of India.
“As per the agreement, they have to wind up some of the unauthorised camps. That process is underway. We have already given them some time, and we expect a positive response,” he added.
Widespread protests demanding justice for the children killed in the Bishnupur mortar blast on April 7 continues across multiple valley districts of Manipur.