Imphal: People protesting the death of two children in a recent bomb blast in Manipur clashed with security forces during a torch rally in the state capital Imphal, police said.
Two children died in a bomb blast at Tronglaobi in Bishnupur on April 7. The Imphal Valley districts have been witnessing daily protests over the incident.
A seven-km-long torch rally was brought out from Mayai Lambi to Keishamthong in Imphal West district on Monday night, but the participants turned violent and clashed with the security forces, a police officer said.
According to police, protesters defied curfew restrictions and sought to advance towards Keisampat, located near key government establishments, including Lok Bhavan and the State office of the Bharatiya Janata Party.
Security personnel resorted to firing tear gas shells. Police said the forces were heavily outnumbered during the confrontation.
Curfew remains in force across all five valley districts from 5 p.m. to 5 a.m., restricting movement outside residences.
Meanwhile, Manipur Police arrested 19 persons from various parts of Imphal West district for curfew violations and offences such as road blockades and damage to public property.
In a separate incident, a candlelight vigil was held in Ukhrul district headquarters to honour two Tangkhul Naga civilians killed in an ambush in the TM Kasom area on April 18.
