Imphal :  Members of Apunba Chingmeirong staged a sit-in protest in Imphal on Tuesday, voicing concern over escalating violence in Manipur and urging immediate government intervention to restore order.

Protesters demanded stringent action against alleged militant groups linked to recent attacks and called for justice for victims, including children. They also pressed for accountability in cases involving security forces, stressing the need for transparent investigations.

Participants highlighted the urgency of safeguarding civilians and preventing further bloodshed, appealing to authorities to take decisive steps to stabilise the situation and reinforce security arrangements in vulnerable areas.

The demonstration comes amid a five-day total shutdown across several districts, which entered its fourth day on April 22, severely disrupting daily life. Markets, schools and transport services remained largely shut, with deserted roads reflecting the scale of the bandh.

The shutdown was called in protest against the recent Tronglaobi bomb attack, which left two children dead and their mother injured, intensifying public anger and grief.

Despite the shutdown, limited activity was observed at Khwairamband Ima Market, one of the state’s ?????? commercial centres, where a small number of women vendors resumed selling essential goods, citing economic compulsions.

Vendors said the prolonged disruption had placed daily wage earners under severe strain, forcing many to balance solidarity with protest actions against the need to sustain livelihoods. Some described the situation as a difficult trade-off between collective resistance and economic survival.

Anita, a vendor with over a decade of experience at the market, said she had consistently supported public movements but was compelled to reopen her stall due to financial pressures.

“Now I am selling goods out of necessity. My support remains with the people protesting, but it has become difficult to manage daily needs,” she said, echoing concerns shared by many in the trading community.

The continuing shutdown and protests underline growing public pressure on the government to address security concerns and bring a swift resolution to the ongoing crisis.