Amid intensifying unrest and widespread public anger, Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh today proceeded with the inauguration of the newly constructed Block Development Office (BDO) at Wangjing in Thoubal district, taking an alternate route after protestors attempted to block his movement.
Blocking his route a large numbers of Meira Paibis gathered near Thoubal Mela Ground under harsh weather conditions, forming human barricades.
Following the blockade, the Chief Minister’s convoy diverted through Mayai Lambi, bypassing the protest site, and reached Wangjing where the inauguration programme was conducted under tight security arrangements. The development highlighted both the administration’s intent to continue official engagements and the fragile law-and-order situation disrupting normal governance.
The unrest also began to impact routine administrative functioning. At the Wangoi Sub-Divisional Office complex, several government offices were locked by local residents, reportedly in protest against employee absenteeism. Police later intervened and reopened the offices by breaking the locks.
Security forces have been deployed in sensitive areas across the valley to prevent further escalation, even as sporadic protests continued in different localities.
CM returns by helicopter from Wangjing
Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh was compelled to return to Imphal by helicopter today after tensions escalated during and after the inauguration of the newly constructed Block Development Office (BDO) at Wangjing in Thoubal district.
The Chief Minister’s visit was marked by confrontation as protestors attempted to block his movement upon arrival at Wangjing. Security forces responded with the use of tear gas shells, smoke bombs, and reported firing of live rounds to disperse the crowd, resulting in injuries to at least one individual. The injured has been identified as Elangbam Nandabir singh,(37), S/o E. Santomba Singh of Heirok Part II Bazar Ward No 9
Amid a total shutdown, widespread public anger, and multiple road blockades, the Thoubal district administration facilitated the Chief Minister’s visit to Wangjing Tekcham Leikai, where he formally inaugurated the BDO office of Wangjing Tentha CD Block. However, the situation turned volatile as large numbers of people gathered to prevent the programme, leading to clashes between protestors and security personnel.
Police resorted to repeated use of tear gas and smoke bombs, while reports of live rounds being fired added to the intensity of the situation. One person sustained injuries after being struck during the police action.
Earlier, the Thoubal District Apunba Meira Paibi had opposed the visit, stating that the prevailing crisis in Manipur was not an appropriate time for official ceremonies. The group mobilised large numbers of women to block the Chief Minister’s entry, resulting in tense standoffs at multiple points.
Addressing the gathering during the inauguration, the Chief Minister announced that a 3.5-kilometre road connecting Wangjing to the BDO office would be constructed at the earliest. He also appealed to the public to call off the ongoing shutdown, stating that the government had already accepted the demands put forward by the Joint Action Committee (JAC) in connection with the Tronglaobi killings.
He informed that two rounds of talks had been held with JAC members as well as with the father of the deceased children. As part of relief measures, the government has offered state jobs to both parents of the victims—the father, currently serving as an Assistant Sub-Inspector in the Border Security Force, and the mother, employed as a nurse in a private hospital in Guwahati—despite such provisions not being part of the original demands, in an effort to enable the family to remain together in Manipur.
The Chief Minister added that if a total shutdown continues despite these steps, there would be limited scope for further intervention from the government, reiterating his appeal for restoration of normalcy.