On Sunday evening (September 8), a large group of youth and women in Imphal, Manipur, took part in a torchlight rally to voice their frustration over the recent surge in violence affecting the state.

The demonstration began around 7:30 PM, with participants including local youth and Meira Paibis (women activists) from Kwakeithel, Keishampat, and nearby areas. The Imphal West district police provided close supervision, maintaining tight security throughout the event, Northeast Today reported.

Tensions escalated at Keishampat junction when police erected steel barricades to block the protesters' path. Despite this, the crowd managed to dismantle the barricades and proceed with their march. When the demonstrators neared Paona International Market, police responded with tear gas in an attempt to disperse them. However, the protesters regrouped at Keishampat junction, continuing their slogans and chants until about 9 PM.

The rally culminated with protesters assembling near the Governor's House, holding torches and chanting slogans such as “Don’t break apart Manipur,” “Don’t arrest village volunteers,” “Dismiss Security Advisor and DGP,” “Withdraw Central forces,” and “Long live Manipur,” reported Northeast Today.

Meanwhile, in the aftermath of the recent spate of violence in the state, Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh met with the Governor, requesting that control over state security be returned to him. The central government had recently transferred law, order, and security responsibilities to a security advisor appointed by the Union Home Ministry.

In response to the violence, Manipur Police have deployed anti-drone systems and are in the process of acquiring additional systems and anti-drone guns to enhance security.