Manipur faced a tense situation on Tuesday after a suspected rocket attack killed a five-month-old girl and a five-year-old boy in Bishnupur district. The government responded by suspending internet and mobile data services in five districts, including Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal, Kakching, and Bishnupur, for three days. This was done to control protests.
In the wee hours of Tuesday, a rocket hit a BSF personnel’s house in Moirang Tronglaobi Awang Leikai while the family slept. The mother was injured, and two children were killed. Neighbours heard a loud blast that caused panic and tension in the village.
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Security forces have increased their duties, searching nearby hills to find those responsible and stop further violence. The area is sensitive because it is near armed groups and has seen or faced attacks before, including the state’s first rocket strike in September 2024.
Details of the attack
Suspected Kuki militants carried out the attack around 1.03 am on Tuesday. The injured were taken to a hospital in Imphal, but the five-month-old baby and five-year-old boy died. Angered or agitated by the attack, protesters tried to enter a CRPF camp and set oil tankers on fire.
Official response
According to Hindustan Times report, Manipur Home minister K Govindas addressed the attack on social media platform X, stating, “In a barbaric early morning act, two innocent children, a 5-year-old boy and a 5-month-old baby girl, lost their lives while asleep with their mother. Heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. Such brutality will not be tolerated. The matter is under active investigation, and all necessary steps are being taken to bring those responsible to justice.”
Regional tensions
Tronglaobi village, about 46 km from Imphal and close to Churachandpur district, is vulnerable to armed attacks. Its first rocket strike in September 2024 killed a 72-year-old man and injured five others. A rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) was also found near the site of the recent attack.
Historical context
Manipur has seen ethnic clashes between the Meiti and Kuki communities, which led to the May 2023 high court order triggering deadly violence. Although attacks dropped after 2025, the state’s peace is still fragile or vulnerable. The revoked order had given land and job benefits to the Meiti community.
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The deaths of two children show how fragile security is in Manipur. Authorities are on high alert, and internet restrictions are made to control unrest situation.
Manipur still faces ethnic tensions and past conflicts, so that's why quick investigations and strong security are needed to prevent more violence. Residents and officials are worried as the state tries to return back to normal.
