Tension escalated in Manipur’s Thoubal district on Tuesday after protesters blocked stretches of National Highway-102 (NH-102) ahead of Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh’s visit to Wangjing, where he was to inaugurate a newly constructed Block Development Officer (BDO) office.
According to officials, demonstrators gathered at multiple points along the Thoubal stretch of the highway, disrupting vehicular movement on the key arterial route. The blockade led to temporary traffic disruptions and heightened security concerns in the area.
The Chief Minister was forced to alter his travel plans due to the blockade, taking a helicopter from Kangla and landing at the Assam Rifles camp before proceeding to the venue by road under tight security. His convoy, meanwhile, travelled via Mayai Lambi under heavy deployment.
Despite the unrest, the inauguration of the BDO office was carried out as scheduled.
The Chief Minister appealed for calm, stating that all issues can be resolved through dialogue and mutual understanding. Expressing sadness over the developments, he said that while he had received a warm welcome in the hill districts, the blockade during his visit to the valley areas was deeply disappointing.
In a statement, Manipur Police said a large group of protesters, allegedly armed with stones and catapults, advanced towards the event site with the apparent intention of vandalising the newly built government facility.
Police said repeated warnings were issued, but the crowd continued to advance, posing what authorities described as a serious threat to public property and those present.
“As the situation escalated, minimum necessary force was used. As a last resort, controlled firing was carried out in accordance with established protocols to disperse the mob,” the statement said.
During the incident, one individual, identified as Elangbam Nandbir Singh (40), a resident of Heirok Part II and reportedly a Village Defence Force (VDF) SPO A-Coy personnel, sustained injuries.
Authorities said the situation was later brought under control, preventing further damage. Security has since been intensified in and around the BDO office campus, with additional forces deployed to maintain law and order.
Officials said the situation is being closely monitored.
– Ends
Published By:
Nitish Singh
Published On:
Apr 22, 2026 03:49 IST
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