Police fire tear gas shells near Kangla Fort as tensions rise during the demonstration (Img: X)
Manipur: Residents in all five valley districts of Manipur held coordinated protests and marches on Friday evening, using loud sounds to voice their anger over ongoing killings, the unresolved ethnic conflict and the continued absence of peace in the state.
Responding to a call by the Federation of Haomee, people participated in demonstrations between 7:30 pm and 8:00 pm. Residents banged utensils, beat drums, blew vehicle horns, sounded sirens and struck electric poles with hammers to express their anger over the ongoing crisis.
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The demonstrations spread across neighbourhoods throughout the valley with participants raising slogans against the government and calling for decisive action to address the continuing unrest.
Kangla Fort in Imphal emerged as the main gathering point, drawing thousands of protesters who assembled within the historic complex and marched through its premises.
The situation grew tense as the crowd increased near the fort’s western gate, located around 300 metres from Raj Bhavan. Police erected barricades along the approach road to prevent protesters from moving towards the high-security area.
Security personnel subsequently fired tear gas shells to disperse the gathering and prevent further escalation. No injuries were reported.
The Federation of Haomee described the demonstration as an “ultimate call for awakening”, urging residents to unite against continued violence and the lack of a lasting solution to the conflict.
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Alongside demands for peace and accountability, protesters called for the implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC), identification of illegal immigrants and abrogation of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with armed groups.
Similar demonstrations and marches took place in localities across all five valley districts, reflecting the widespread participation in the protest.
The mobilisation highlighted continuing public frustration over the security situation and the absence of a durable political settlement in Manipur. The state has been grappling with ethnic conflict since May 2023, with concerns over continued violence and the restoration of normal life remaining central to public debate.
