Tear gas fired as Imphal rally turns tense during march to CM residence
Tensions escalated as the rally advanced, leading to a confrontation between demonstrators and police personnel. Security forces fired tear gas shells at multiple locations to bring the situation under control.
A massive rally organised by the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) in Imphal on Saturday turned tense after clashes broke out between protesters and security forces, prompting the use of tear gas to disperse the crowd.
The rally began around 1 pm, with large groups assembling at multiple locations across the valley districts, before converging and marching to Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh’s residence to submit a memorandum outlining six key demands.
These included restoration of peace and normalcy, ensuring civilian safety, action against those responsible for recent violence, and safeguarding Manipur’s territorial integrity.
Tensions escalated as the rally advanced, leading to a confrontation between demonstrators and police personnel. Security forces fired tear gas shells at multiple locations to bring the situation under control.
The situation remained particularly volatile near Khwairamband Ima Keithel – "Mothers' Market" – where large numbers of protesters had gathered, awaiting updates from their representatives who had gone to meet the Chief Minister at his residence. Tear gas had to be used in the area as security forces attempted to disperse the agitators.
Earlier in the day, normal activity had resumed at the prominent women-run market. However, following the clashes, panic spread in the area, forcing vendors and shoppers to flee. Several women vendors, including those who had travelled from distant areas, were seen leaving on foot as the situation deteriorated.
No major injuries have been reported so far, but the situation remains tense, with authorities maintaining a close watch as developments unfold.
Manipur has remained tense after a suspected rocket or mortar attack hit a civilian home in Bishnupur district on April 7, killing two young children and leaving their mother critically injured.
A massive rally organised by the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) in Imphal on Saturday turned tense after clashes broke out between protesters and security forces, prompting the use of tear gas to disperse the crowd.
The rally began around 1 pm, with large groups assembling at multiple locations across the valley districts, before converging and marching to Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh’s residence to submit a memorandum outlining six key demands.
These included restoration of peace and normalcy, ensuring civilian safety, action against those responsible for recent violence, and safeguarding Manipur’s territorial integrity.
Tensions escalated as the rally advanced, leading to a confrontation between demonstrators and police personnel. Security forces fired tear gas shells at multiple locations to bring the situation under control.
The situation remained particularly volatile near Khwairamband Ima Keithel – "Mothers' Market" – where large numbers of protesters had gathered, awaiting updates from their representatives who had gone to meet the Chief Minister at his residence. Tear gas had to be used in the area as security forces attempted to disperse the agitators.
Earlier in the day, normal activity had resumed at the prominent women-run market. However, following the clashes, panic spread in the area, forcing vendors and shoppers to flee. Several women vendors, including those who had travelled from distant areas, were seen leaving on foot as the situation deteriorated.
No major injuries have been reported so far, but the situation remains tense, with authorities maintaining a close watch as developments unfold.
Manipur has remained tense after a suspected rocket or mortar attack hit a civilian home in Bishnupur district on April 7, killing two young children and leaving their mother critically injured.
