Conflicts between demonstrators and security personnel, curfew infractions, and interruptions to medical services underscore an increasingly dire situation in both valley and hill districts of Manipur. Violence erupted during a torch rally in Imphal on April 20, as public anger intensified over the killing of two children in a bomb blast at Tronglaobi on April 7. The rally, which covered nearly seven kilometres from Mayai Lambi to Keishamthong in Imphal West, turned confrontational when protesters attempted to move beyond the permitted route toward Keisampat, a sensitive administrative area.
Security forces used tear gas to disperse the crowd after demonstrators defied curfew orders. Officials reported that some protesters hurled stones and iron pellets using catapults, posing risks to personnel. Five valley areas are still subject to curfew restrictions, which forbid travel between 5 p.m. and 5 a.m.
On April 19, police, announced that 19 people had been arrested around the greater Imphal area for breaking curfew rules and participating in activities like road blockades and property damage. Authorities have said that enforcement actions will continue, and cases have been filed and investigations are ongoing. Meanwhile, a separate candlelight vigil was held in Ukhrul district to mourn two civilians killed in an ambush in the TM Kasom area on April 18. Civil society organisations from both hill and valley regions condemned the killings, alleging the use of sniper fire by armed militants. Healthcare services have also been negatively impacted by the disturbance. The Manipur Chapter of the Association of Healthcare Providers India expressed grave worries about the effects of security operations and protests on hospitals and medical staff.
Speaking at Mother’s Care and Children Hospital, AHPI Manipur president Dr Kh Ratankumar said tear gas shells landed near the hospital gate during a protest on April 18, causing distress among patients. Due to the impact of tear gas, some patients had to be moved, which was traumatic, especially for the old and very sick.
The association urged authorities to stop such tragedies and emphasized the need for hospitals to remain neutral and protected areas. It also detailed incidents of attacks on ambulances, obstruction of emergency services, and harassment, intimidation, and sometimes physical assault of healthcare personnel.
AHPI has written to the Home Commissioner requesting immediate action, claiming that disruption of healthcare services violates humanitarian values and immediately puts lives in danger. Dr. Ratankumar urged the authorities to make sure those patients, medical personnel, and ambulances could travel safely and continuously. The April 17 incident at Khurai Lamlong, where three ambulance drivers were allegedly attacked by security guards while transferring a patient, has also sparked concerns.
Deep public resentment and increasing instability are reflected in the ongoing upheaval in Manipur, where problems with law and order are now affecting vital industries like healthcare.
