Fresh violence in Manipur's Bishnupur district has left at least five people dead, including two children, and triggered widespread unrest, protests, and clashes with security forces. The incidents took place late Monday night and escalated through Tuesday.
According to police, suspected militants carried out an attack around 1 AM in Tronglaobi Awang Leikai village in Moirang area. The attackers allegedly used explosives and rocket launchers to target a house belonging to a Border Security Force (BSF) personnel.
Clash with security forces
Children killed in attack, tensions rise
In the attack, a 5-year-old child and a 6-month-old baby girl died on the spot. Their mother sustained critical injuries and is undergoing treatment in the hospital.
The village is located in a sensitive area affected by ongoing tensions between the Meitei and Kuki communities. Police said a fresh explosive device was later recovered near the site, and combing operations are underway to identify those responsible.
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As news of the deaths spread, large crowds gathered in Bishnupur and nearby areas. Protests soon turned violent. Demonstrators set fire to two oil tankers, a truck, and several other vehicles near a petrol pump. A temporary police post was vandalised, and tyres were burnt outside a police station.
Police deployed to prevent unrest
Clashes with forces, curfew imposed
The situation escalated further when a CRPF camp in the Tronglaobi area was attacked and set on fire. Security forces opened fire to disperse the crowd, in which at least three people were reported dead. Around 20 CRPF personnel and security staff were also injured during the clashes.
To control the situation, authorities imposed a curfew across Bishnupur district. Mobile internet services have been suspended for three days in five districts - Imphal East, Imphal West, Bishnupur, Thoubal, and Kakching - to prevent the spread of rumours.
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Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh condemned the attack and appealed for calm. He said, "This brutal incident is a planned attempt to disrupt Manipur's hard-earned peace. Whenever steps are taken to restore peace, some vested interests try to create violence."
He added that those responsible would be identified and punished.
Local BJP MLA Shanti Singh also condemned the incident, calling it a serious act of violence and demanding strict action.
