IMPHAL, April 9: In a deeply unsettling incident, unidentified gunmen opened fire at a children’s home for orphaned boys in Manipur’s Imphal West district early Wednesday morning, prompting local residents to stage a protest demanding swift justice.
According to police, the firing occurred at around 1:40 AM at the Children’s Home for Boys located at Sagolband Meino Leirak. CCTV footage showed two masked assailants arriving at the premises and firing at least 7 to 8 rounds. Fortunately, no injuries were reported among the 30 children and staff residing at the facility, which is run by the United Social Development Association under the Integrated Child Protection Scheme (ICPS) of the Manipur Social Welfare Department.
Law enforcement personnel responded promptly to the scene, registering a case and launching an investigation to identify and apprehend the attackers.
In response to the alarming incident, local residents staged a sit-in protest on Wednesday, holding placards and chanting slogans demanding the immediate arrest of those responsible. The community expressed shock and anger that a shelter for vulnerable children had become the target of such violence.
“It is really unfortunate that the home for children was fired at. The reason for the firing is yet to be known. We appeal not to allow such incidents to happen in the future again,” said Khaiden Ongbi Romita, who runs the home.
