Manipur Tensions Escalate After Deadly Attack on Children; Internet Suspended in Five Districts

Fresh violence in Manipur has intensified tensions after a deadly explosion in Bishnupur district killed two young children, prompting authorities to impose strict security measures, including a temporary shutdown of mobile internet services across several districts.

Officials said the state government suspended mobile internet for three days in five districts—Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal, Kakching, and Bishnupur—to prevent the spread of rumours and inflammatory content that could worsen the already fragile situation. The move came in the wake of a suspected rocket or explosive attack on a civilian residence in a sensitive area.

The tragic incident took place in Tronglaobi Awang Leikai village in Bishnupur, where unidentified attackers allegedly fired an explosive projectile at a house in the early hours. The blast killed a five-year-old boy and his infant sister while they were asleep. Their mother was critically injured and shifted to a hospital for treatment, officials confirmed.

The attack has triggered widespread outrage in the region, which has been grappling with prolonged ethnic tensions. The violence-prone district lies along a volatile zone frequently affected by clashes, particularly between Meitei and Kuki groups. The latest incident has further heightened fears about civilian safety amid the ongoing unrest.

Following the killings, protests erupted in multiple areas, with angry residents taking to the streets to express their anger. Demonstrators reportedly blocked roads, set vehicles ablaze, and targeted security establishments. In one instance, a mob attempted to storm a camp of the Central Reserve Police Force near a border area, leading to clashes with security personnel.

Forces responded by firing rounds and deploying smoke shells to disperse the crowd. Several people were injured during the confrontation, as authorities struggled to bring the situation under control. A curfew was subsequently imposed in Bishnupur district, the epicentre of the violence.

Officials said the suspension of internet services was a precautionary measure aimed at curbing the circulation of unverified information on social media platforms. Such content, they warned, could incite further violence in an already tense environment. The incident underscores the continuing instability in Manipur, where sporadic violence has disrupted normal life for months. Security has been tightened across sensitive zones, and investigations are underway to identify and apprehend those responsible for the attack.