MANIPUR IN TURMOIL: CM's CONVOY BLOCKED, PROTESTS RAGE AMID FRESH KILLINGS

Imphal, April 21, 2026

Manipur is once again gripped by widespread unrest as mass protests continue to rock the conflict-torn northeastern Indian state following a series of deadly incidents.

Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh's convoy was blocked by angry protesters near Phundrei, close to an Assam Rifles camp, as large groups of demonstrators gathered on the roads, preventing him from visiting Thoubal district amid an ongoing five-day shutdown in the valley. Northeast Live

Life in Imphal has been severely disrupted following a five-day statewide shutdown called by Meitei women's groups and civil society organisations. The Wire

Trigger: Killing of Two Children

The triggering event was a deadly projectile attack on April 7, 2026, in Moirang Tronglaobi village, where two minor siblings were killed and their mother critically injured after a suspected rocket strike targeted their home. The attack was attributed to suspected Kuki militants, with residents reporting the projectile was fired from over three kilometres away. Sri Lanka Guardian

Security Forces Open Fire on Protesters

In response to the bomb attack, a large number of people blocked roads in protest. The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel opened fire on the demonstrators, killing two civilians and injuring several others. Protesters subsequently stormed a CRPF camp near Gelmol, setting vehicles on fire and vandalising property. Kmsnews The death toll from that incident subsequently rose to three. The Federal

Since April 7, Manipur has witnessed five killings in total, including the two children and a BSF soldier. No arrests have been made in any of the cases, fuelling widespread anger. The Week

Further Violence and Curfew

On April 14, violent clashes broke out between protesters and security personnel, prompting authorities to clamp a curfew. Protesters damaged vehicles, set fire to security forces' vehicles, and attempted to detain personnel. Security agencies deployed tear gas and additional forces. More than 20 protesters were injured, and curfew orders were enforced across Bishnupur, Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, and Kakching districts. The Kathmandu Post

Anger over the killings has fuelled large-scale demonstrations in Imphal East, Imphal West, Kakching, and other areas. Thousands took to the streets, organising night torch rallies and demanding swift arrests. In some instances, mobs attempted to storm security posts, leading to further casualties when forces opened fire. Muslim Mirror

BJP Boycott Announced

Amid the mounting tensions, the influential Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) announced a boycott of the ruling BJP in Manipur, appealing to the public not to participate in any activity of the party or its leaders. COCOMI demanded a detailed statement from Chief Minister Khemchand Singh on why his government failed to prevent attacks on civilians. The Wire

Ukhrul Attack Deepens Crisis

On April 18, two Tangkhul Naga civilians, including a retired Indian Army soldier, were killed when suspected militants ambushed vehicles along National Highway-202 in Ukhrul district, further inflaming the already volatile situation. Sri Lanka Guardian

Background: The conflict in Manipur erupted in May 2023 between the Meitei community of the Imphal Valley and Kuki-Zo tribal communities from the surrounding hills. According to government figures, as of late 2024, 258 people had been killed and 60,000 displaced since the violence began. Wikipedia The crisis continues with no resolution in sight.