Imphal : Curfew restrictions were openly defied across parts of the Imphal valley on Thursday as protests intensified over the killing of two minor children in a suspected rocket attack in Bishnupur district, with demonstrators demanding swift arrests and accountability from the State government.

In a measured yet firm response, personnel of the Central Reserve Police Force’s Rapid Action Force (RAF) declared in Keisampat unlawful, displaying warning banners and repeatedly directing protesters to disperse. The announcement, delivered through loud warnings, cautioned participants of legal consequences in case of non-compliance.

Despite the tense backdrop, demonstrations in Malom and along the Kwakeithel-Keisampat stretch remained largely peaceful, aided by heavy deployment and active regulation by security forces. Authorities conducted flag marches across sensitive zones as part of area domination exercises to deter escalation and maintain order.

One of the major mobilisations, organised under the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), was held in Malom in Imphal West. Another rally that began near Imphal College at Kwakeithel was halted at Keisampat after encountering multiple layers of security barricades.

At the Keisampat checkpoint, RAF personnel held up a large red banner declaring the assembly unlawful and issued repeated warnings-“listen, listen, listen”-urging the crowd to disperse immediately. Protesters, however, remained resolute, highlighting the depth of public outrage over the incident.

Security forces, while maintaining a strict posture, avoided direct confrontation. Their approach combined restraint with enforcement, ensuring that demonstrations did not spiral into violence even as emotions ran high.

During the protests, Th. Komdombi, speaking on behalf of five prominent civil society organisations, sharply criticised the government’s handling of the Tronglaobi incident.

“We are not satisfied with the actions taken so far. Two minor children have lost their lives in a rocket attack. We demand accountability and decisive steps from the government,” she said, echoing sentiments widely shared among demonstrators.

Amid mounting pressure, representatives from five organisations were permitted to meet Chief Minister Y. Khemchand Singh at the Secretariat. The meeting was also attended by Home Minister K. Govindas Singh and several legislators.

Describing the interaction as “constructive and substantive,” the Chief Minister said the government had taken serious note of the concerns raised by civil society groups, including AMUCO, MSF, Poirei Leimarol, COHR and AMAWOVA. He termed the killings “deeply unfortunate” and assured that those responsible would be identified and dealt with strictly in accordance with the law.

He further stated that the State government is in constant coordination with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, signalling the Centre’s involvement in monitoring the evolving situation.

In a statement issued after the meeting, the Chief Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to restoring normalcy and appealed to civil society organisations to cooperate in maintaining peace.

Meanwhile, the valley continues to remain tense under a blanket of heightened security. Curfew enforcement, reinforced deployment and continuous patrols are in place to prevent further unrest.

The latest wave of protests follows a series of violent developments in Bishnupur district earlier this week. Protesters had stormed a CRPF camp, vandalised infrastructure and set fire to vehicles belonging to the force. In the ensuing confrontation, security personnel opened fire, resulting in the deaths of three protesters.

The unrest has its roots in the Tronglaobi incident, where two children were killed in what authorities suspect was a rocket attack-an episode that has triggered widespread anger and renewed concerns over civilian safety in conflict-hit areas of Manipur.

As tensions persist, the State faces the dual challenge of maintaining order while addressing growing public distrust over security lapses and the protection of vulnerable populations.