Thousands of people in Manipur’s Imphal West district defied prohibitory orders and took part in a torch rally to protest a recent bomb attack that killed two children. The protest led to clashes between demonstrators and security forces, officials said.

The rally began around 7 pm on Thursday from Singjamei. Protesters carried torches and demanded the immediate arrest of those responsible for the April 7 blast at Tronglaobi in Bishnupur district. The attack had claimed the lives of two children and sparked widespread anger among residents.

During the march, some protesters raised slogans against the security forces and verbally abused personnel deployed in the area. The rally continued for nearly 2 km and reached Chingamathak, which is located a few kilometres from key government locations, including the chief minister’s bungalow, police headquarters, and Lok Bhavan.

Security personnel present at the site were heavily outnumbered. They asked the protesters to turn back as prohibitory orders were already in place. These orders restrict movement in the area during certain hours. However, the situation quickly escalated into a confrontation when the protesters refused to disperse.

As tensions rose, security forces used tear gas shells to control the crowd. They also carried out baton charges to disperse the protesters. In response, several youths allegedly began pelting stones at the forces, which further worsened the situation.

The clashes left several people injured. At least five individuals were taken to a nearby hospital. They suffered from minor injuries and breathing issues caused by tear gas exposure. Officials said the situation became difficult to manage due to the large number of people involved in the protest.

An official commented on the situation, saying, "There are elements trying to take advantage of the prevailing situation in the state for their respective anti-government and anti-security forces agendas."

Authorities have continued to enforce strict measures in the region following the violence. Orders remain in place that prohibit people from stepping out of their homes between 5 pm and 5 am. These restrictions were imposed after earlier protests turned violent following the Tronglaobi bomb attack.

The incident highlights the growing tension in the region after the tragic deaths of the two children. While the protest began as a demand for justice, it eventually led to unrest and clashes, adding to the already fragile situation in the state.