Thoubal | April 12 : A confrontation broke out between protesters and police near the office of the Superintendent of Police (SP), Thoubal district, on the intervening night of April 11 and 12 after a rally demanding action in the Tronglaobi case was stopped by security forces. Police fired multiple rounds of tear gas to disperse the crowd. Two Thoubal Commando personnel sustained injuries in the incident.
According to sources, a large number of people from various localities assembled at Wangbal in Thoubal district around 10:30 pm on Saturday. The crowd marched toward Thoubal Mela Ground, raising slogans including “We condemn the Tronglaobi killings” and “Kuki narco militants must be arrested.”
The rally was held to demand the arrest and punishment of those involved in the Tronglaobi bombing on the intervening night of April 6 and 7, in which two children were killed, and accountability for the subsequent deaths during protests. Protesters also demanded that if cases are to be handed over to the NIA in any incidents, then there is no need for stationing Manipur Police.
The mass rally was stopped by police near the SP office gate. After protesters bypassed the barricade and continued to Thoubal Mela Ground, they began returning along the same route. When the rally again reached the vicinity of the SP office, demonstrators raised slogans and attempted to storm the premises. A confrontation ensued between protesters and police.
To control the crowd and ensure their own safety, police fired multiple tear gas shells. The clash continued until around 2:00 am, when police said the situation was brought under control.
Two personnel of Thoubal Commando, 40-year-old Sagolsem Nanao Singh, son of Rajen, of Yairipok Leirongthel, and 42-year-old Thongam Premjit, son of Subol, of Thoubal Athokpam Khunou, were injured in the incident. Police said both are out of danger.
Unconfirmed reports said some protesters also sustained minor injuries.
