A large rally organised by the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity in Imphal turned tense after clashes broke out between protesters and security forces, leading to the use of tear gas to disperse the crowd. The demonstration began around 1 pm, with participants gathering from multiple locations across the valley districts before marching toward the residence of Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh to submit a memorandum outlining their demands.
The protesters sought restoration of peace and normalcy, protection of civilians, strict action against those responsible for recent violence, and safeguards for the territorial integrity of Manipur. As the rally progressed, tensions escalated, eventually resulting in confrontations between demonstrators and police personnel. Security forces responded by firing tear gas shells at several locations in an attempt to regain control of the situation.
The situation was particularly volatile near Khwairamband Ima Keithel, widely known as the “Mothers’ Market,” where a large number of protesters had assembled while awaiting updates from representatives meeting the Chief Minister. The use of tear gas in this area caused panic, forcing vendors and shoppers to abandon the market and leave the vicinity, with several women vendors seen walking away amid the disruption.
Although no major injuries have been reported, authorities have described the situation as tense and are closely monitoring developments. The unrest comes against the backdrop of continuing instability in the state, particularly after a suspected rocket or mortar attack earlier in April in Bishnupur district, which resulted in the deaths of two children and left their mother critically injured.
