Manipur Crisis Deepens as CRPF Firing Death Toll Climbs to Three
The volatile situation in Manipur escalated dramatically on Wednesday as the death toll from Tuesday's CRPF firing at Gelmol rose to three. The latest victim, 29-year-old Wahengbam Bobby from Bishnupur district, succumbed to his injuries in hospital, intensifying the political turmoil gripping the state.
Fresh Protests Erupt in Imphal East
Even as news of Bobby's death spread, fresh protests erupted in Imphal East, with demonstrators demanding the immediate resignation of Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh and Home Minister Konthoujam Govindas. The protests have significantly deepened the political crisis that was initially triggered by the killing of two children in a bomb attack by unidentified men at Tronglaobi early Tuesday morning.
Demonstrators, organized under the banner of the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), gathered in significant numbers at Wangkhei. They accused the state leadership of moral failure in protecting citizens and maintaining law and order. Despite prohibitory orders being in place, the crowd assembled, leading police to fire teargas shells to disperse them.
Family Mourns "Innocent Civilian" Victim
Bobby's family described him as an innocent civilian who had joined the protests in shock after hearing about the tragic deaths of the two children. His death has added fuel to the already raging fire of public anger, with many viewing it as another failure of the state administration.
Government Response and Security Measures
Earlier in the day, Chief Minister Khemchand chaired a crucial unified command meeting at the secretariat to review the deteriorating law and order situation. The meeting included top officials from multiple security forces, including the Army, Assam Rifles, CRPF, BSF, ITBP, and SSB.
"The government remains firmly committed to safeguarding lives and upholding law and order," the Chief Minister stated during the meeting, attempting to reassure the public amid growing unrest.
Arrests Made in Connection with Bomb Attack
In a related development, BJP spokesperson Kh Ibomcha announced that three cadres of the United Kuki National Army (UKNA), described as a non-Suspension of Operations (SoO) group, were arrested during combing operations following the deadly blast that killed the two children. Security forces reportedly seized one AK-47 rifle and a pistol during these operations.
However, official confirmation of their involvement in the Tronglaobi attack is still awaited. The UKNA has categorically denied any role in the incident, adding another layer of complexity to the investigation.
Government Vows to Apprehend Perpetrators
At a press conference held at Durbar Hall in the Chief Minister's secretariat, spokesperson Ibomcha emphasized that the government, under Khemchand's leadership, was making all possible efforts to arrest those involved in the attack that killed the two children. He stated the government's determination to apprehend the perpetrators, "dead or alive," signaling a tough stance against the violence.
Internet Services Partially Restored
In a move that might indicate a slight easing of tensions, the Manipur government lifted the suspension of broadband internet services in five districts on Wednesday. The suspension had been imposed following Tuesday's violence, highlighting how digital communication controls were part of the administration's response to the crisis.
Mounting Public Anger and Political Pressure
The consecutive tragedies—the killing of two children in the bomb attack and now three deaths in the CRPF firing—have sharply escalated public anger. This growing discontent is putting immense pressure on the state leadership, with many questioning their ability to govern effectively during such crises.
The situation remains fluid, with security forces on high alert and political tensions showing no signs of abating. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether the government can restore calm or if the protests will continue to challenge its authority.
