On Tuesday morning, violence erupted in Manipur's Bishnupur district following a tragic attack that killed two young children in their sleep. A four-year-old boy and his newborn sister died when a rocket-like projectile struck their home in Tronglaobi Awang Leikai, a village located near the sensitive boundary between the Meitei-dominated valley and the Kuki-Zomi-dominated hills. Their mother, Oinam Binita, was critically injured in the blast and is currently receiving treatment at a local hospital.
The incident occurred around 1 a.m., when the projectile exploded inside the children's home. According to their grandmother, Oinam Bala, the daughter-in-law cried out for help, revealing that a bomb had detonated inside the room. Bala described the scene as chaotic and horrifying, finding her grandchildren soaked in blood amid thick smoke. Binita, a nurse based in Guwahati who had returned to Manipur in January on maternity leave, lost her two children in the blast. Her husband, Oinam Mangalsana, is a Border Security Force (BSF) soldier posted in Bihar.
Later on Tuesday, local residents discovered a live rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) shell lying just a few meters from the site of the attack. This discovery prompted some villagers to flee their homes amid fears of further violence.
The tragic deaths triggered widespread protests in Bishnupur. Angered residents attempted to storm a nearby CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force) post about 500 meters east of Tronglaobi, expressing frustration over the security forces' failure to prevent the attack. Protesters blocked roads by burning tires, set fire to three trucks-including two oil tankers-and staged demonstrations that escalated into violent clashes. CRPF personnel opened fire on the crowd in response to attempts to breach the post, resulting in the deaths of two civilians and injuries to three others, according to official reports. Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam confirmed these casualties and stated that those injured were receiving medical treatment.
The unrest also spread to the Moirang police station, which protesters barricaded by piling burning logs at its gate. The disturbances extended to Imphal, where roads were blocked, tires burned, traffic disrupted, and all businesses closed in solidarity with the protests.
In response to the violence, Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh announced a large-scale security operation to identify and apprehend those responsible for the attack. Speaking to reporters, Khemchand stated that security forces had been instructed to "hunt them down dead or alive" on the same day. He also revealed that the state government would hand over the case to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for a thorough probe. The chief minister suggested that the attack was orchestrated by "a group or individual who wants to destabilize the peace process in the state," noting that significant progress had been made toward peace in recent months.
To maintain law and order amid the unrest, the state government imposed a temporary internet suspension for three days across five valley districts: Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal, Kakching, and Bishnupur.
The attack in Tronglaobi Awang Leikai is particularly sensitive given the village's location on the divide between ethnic groups. The Meitei community mainly inhabits the valley, while the hills are predominantly home to the Kuki-Zomi tribes. This geographic and ethnic fault line has been the site of recurrent violence since ethnic tensions flared up across Manipur in May 2023. However, this recent incident marks the first major escalation since the formation of the new popular government under Chief Minister Khemchand Singh in February 2024.
The broader context of ethnic conflict in Manipur involves longstanding grievances and tensions between different communities competing for land, political power, and resources. The region has witnessed cycles of violence and fragile ceasefires, with peace efforts ongoing but often fragile. The recent attack and ensuing protests underscore the volatility that still persists despite government efforts to restore stability.
The incident drew national attention and condemnation. Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, expressed deep sorrow over the deaths of the children in a post on X (formerly Twitter). He described the event as "heart-wrenching" and lamented that even after three years of ongoing conflict, innocent children in Manipur continue to suffer. Gandhi criticized the central government, saying it had become "desensitized and stone-hearted" and failed to protect the children of Manipur, whom he called "the nation's children" and "our future."
Sukrita Baruah, a Principal Correspondent for The Indian Express based in Guwahati, reported extensively on the incident and its aftermath. Drawing on her expertise in ethnic and social dynamics, border geopolitics, and governance in India's Northeast, Baruah highlighted the complex and sensitive nature of the conflict in Manipur. Her reporting emphasizes the challenge of balancing security measures with peace-building efforts in a region marked by deep ethnic divisions and historical grievances.
In the wake of the attack, security forces and government officials face the urgent task of calming tensions, restoring order, and delivering justice for the victims. The deployment of enhanced security operations and the involvement of the National Investigation Agency reflect the seriousness with which authorities are approaching the case. Yet, the incident also serves as a stark reminder of the fragile peace in Manipur and the enduring challenges to achieving lasting stability in the state.
As the situation develops, authorities continue to monitor security conditions closely, while communities in Bishnupur and surrounding districts grapple with the trauma and disruption caused by the violence. The deaths of the two children and the subsequent protests have cast a shadow over the recent progress, underscoring the need for sustained efforts toward reconciliation and peace in Manipur.