COCOMI protest foiled by police amid curfew in Imphal East

A protest rally organised by the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) was foiled by police in Imphal East district today as volunteers attempted to defy curfew restrictions imposed in the wake of recent violence.
According to reports, a large number of COCOMI volunteers gathered at Wangkhei Andro Parking area in the afternoon, holding banners and placards demanding the resignation of Chief Minister Y. Khemchand and State Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam. The protest was held in connection with the killing of two minor siblings in a blast at Tronglaobi in Bishnupur district.
Despite the curfew in force, demonstrators assembled at around 3 pm and attempted to take out a rally. However, police personnel deployed in the area intervened and prevented the procession from moving forward, effectively dispersing the gathering. The police fire rounds of tear gas shells.
Speaking to media persons at the spot, COCOMI convenor Y.K. Dhiren held the government accountable for the incident, stating that it had failed to ensure the safety of civilians. He referred to the blast that occurred in the early hours of April 7 at Tronglaobi Maning Leikai, where a projectile struck a residential house, resulting in the death of two children and leaving their mother critically injured.
Dhiren further alleged that the subsequent unrest near a nearby Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) camp led to the death of three youths in firing by security personnel. He maintained that both the initial incident and the developments that followed reflect lapses in governance and security arrangements.
Security remained tight across Imphal East, with authorities enforcing curfew measures to prevent further escalation of tension. Police sources indicated that strict action would be taken against violations of prohibitory orders as part of efforts to maintain law and order.
The situation in the valley districts continues to remain tense following the recent incidents, with heightened security deployment and restrictions in place.