Senior citizens aged above 60 years staged sit-in protests at multiple locations across Imphal on Saturday, demanding justice for the victims of the Tronglaobi incident and calling for an end to the prolonged crisis in Manipur.
At Uripok Khaidem Leikai, near a petrol pump, elderly protestors gathered under the aegis of the Uripok Apunba Lup and the Uripok Apunba Nupi Lup. Holding placards and raising slogans, the demonstrators voiced deep concern over the continuing violence and the loss of civilian lives in recent incidents.
A similar protest was also held at Khurai Lamlong Bazar, organised by the Khurai Pana Apunba Singlup, where senior citizens reiterated comparable demands and expressed solidarity with victims’ families.
The protestors called for justice not only for those affected in Tronglaobi but also for civilians killed on April 18 along the Imphal-Ukhrul road. They urged authorities to take decisive measures to restore peace and security, alleging that indigenous communities have been repeatedly targeted since the outbreak of violence on May 3, 2023.
Among the key demands raised was the immediate abrogation of the Suspension of Operations agreement with armed Kuki militant groups, along with intensified security measures to prevent further attacks on civilians.
Speaking to reporters at Uripok Khaidem Leikai, one elderly protestor said the situation had compelled senior citizens to step out in protest despite their age. He remarked that under normal circumstances, they would remain at home, but the continuing loss of young lives had made silence impossible. He urged the authorities to take urgent and firm action against those responsible for the violence, stating that the safety and future of the state’s younger generation must be protected.