Calm Returns to Manipur Districts After Violence Over Death of Two Children in Bomb attack

Imphal: Tension lingered across five valley districts of Manipur on Wednesday, although the situation was largely under control following a wave of violence triggered by a deadly bomb attack in Bishnupur on Tuesday, officials said.

Authorities maintained strict measures including curfew, suspension of internet services, and extensive deployment of security personnel in the districts of Imphal East, Imphal West, Bishnupur, Thoubal and Kakching. According to a senior officer, no new incidents of violence were reported on Wednesday morning, indicating a return to relative calm after overnight unrest.

However, late Tuesday saw confrontations between demonstrators and security forces in parts of Imphal East and Imphal West. Police used tear gas to disperse crowds as protests intensified. Demonstrators blocked roads and set tyres ablaze in areas such as Khurai Lamlong and Wangkhei in Imphal East, as well as Uripok and Kwakeithel in Imphal West, demanding accountability for the deaths of two children in the earlier attack.

Officials stated that the clashes had been contained overnight, restoring order across the affected areas.

The unrest was sparked by a bomb explosion at a residence in Moirang Tronglaobi in Bishnupur district early Tuesday. Suspected militants reportedly hurled an explosive device into the house while the occupants were asleep, killing a five-year-old boy and his six-month-old sister. Their mother sustained injuries in the blast.

Public anger over the incident escalated quickly. In response, a crowd of around 400 people stormed a camp of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), accusing security forces of failing to prevent militant activity. Security personnel opened fire to control the mob, resulting in the deaths of two individuals and injuries to approximately 20 others.

In addition to the violence, protesters set fire to two oil tankers and a truck, vandalised a police outpost, and disrupted traffic along major routes.

Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh convened an all-party meeting to assess the evolving situation. He strongly condemned the attack and announced that the probe would be transferred to the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

Leaders from various political parties voiced serious concern over the deteriorating law and order situation, stressing the urgent need to preserve peace, unity, and communal harmony in the state.

Manipur has been grappling with prolonged ethnic unrest between the Meitei community in the Imphal Valley and Kuki-Zo groups in the hill regions since May 2023. The violence has claimed at least 260 lives and displaced thousands. The state has remained under President’s Rule since February 2025.