A Manipur Police Commando rifleman injured by a slingshot pellet during protests in Imphal West has been shifted abroad for advanced treatment, as unrest linked to recent violence and mass agitations continues across valley districts.
IMPHAL – A personnel of the Imphal West District Police Commando, injured in the eye during a violent protest at Uripok Laikhulembi, has been taken abroad for advanced medical treatment after initial care at the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences.
The injured has been identified as Rifleman Thangjam Sanajaoba Singh, originally attached to the 8th Manipur Rifles and currently serving with the district commando unit. He sustained a serious eye injury when an iron pellet, reportedly fired from a slingshot by protesters, struck him during a confrontation on the evening of April 25.
He was immediately rushed to RIMS after sustaining the injury and later referred for specialised treatment outside the country, sources said.
Protest escalation and confrontation
The incident occurred amid widespread protests across the valley following the Tronglaobi bomb attack, which killed two children and critically injured their mother. Public outrage intensified further after three civilians were killed in firing by security forces during an attempt to storm a security camp.
In response, Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity organised a mass public march on April 25, during which demonstrators sought to submit a memorandum to the Chief Minister raising seven key questions.
Security forces resorted to firing tear gas shells to disperse crowds that had gathered in large numbers. Protesters, in turn, engaged in stone-pelting, use of slingshots, and road blockades using bamboo, trees, and debris.
A major clash broke out around 7:30 pm near Uripok Laikhulembi when a large group of youths advanced towards the area, leading to injuries on both sides.
Widespread injuries and police appeal
The agitation spread across several areas in Imphal West, including Keishampat, Khwairamband Keithel, and Uripok, as well as parts of Imphal East such as Khurai Lamlong. More than 30 civilians were reportedly injured, along with multiple security personnel who were hit by stones and slingshot projectiles.
In the aftermath, the Superintendent of Police, Imphal West, appealed to the public to maintain restraint.
“Youths participating in night rallies should refrain from acts such as stone pelting, slingshot use, and petrol bomb attacks,” the SP said, urging peaceful protest amid the volatile situation.
The incident underscores the continuing volatility in the valley districts, where protests and security responses have repeatedly escalated into violent confrontations.
