Manipur Violence: Two Children Killed In Bomb Attack By Kuki Militants In Manipur's Bishnupur

Imphal: Violence flared up once again in Manipur on Monday, with two children killed in a bomb attack in Bishnupur district and fresh firing reported from Ukhrul, intensifying tensions in the already volatile state.

The deadly incident took place in the early hours of April 7 at Tronglaobi village in Bishnupur district. Suspected Kuki militants allegedly launched a bomb attack around 1:05 am, targeting residential areas while villagers were asleep. One of the explosives struck a house where a minor child was sleeping beside his mother, leaving the child critically injured. The injured child, along with another minor, later succumbed to their injuries, officials confirmed.

The attack has triggered widespread outrage among locals, with angry residents staging protests and blocking the Moirang Police Station, demanding immediate action and enhanced security in the region.

Meanwhile, fresh violence was reported from Litan area under Ukhrul district, where armed Kuki group members allegedly opened fire towards Tangkhul Naga villages, including Sikiphung and Leingangching. Sources on the ground claim that Kuki civilians were first evacuated to safer locations, particularly Lamlai Chingphei village, before the firing began.

The event sparked rapid demonstrations in Moirang, as furious residents flooded the streets denouncing the assault. Tensions intensified quickly as demonstrators engaged in arson, igniting two oil tankers and a truck filled with goods that were said to be heading to Churachandpur

Visuals circulating from the area reportedly show vehicles being used to move civilians out of Mongkot Chepu Kuki villages. Soon after the evacuation, gunfire was directed towards nearby Naga villages, further escalating fears of targeted attacks and retaliation.

Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh expressed deep anguish over the incident, stating that he was “deeply pained” by the tragic attack in Moirang Tronglaobi that claimed the lives of two innocent children. He termed the act as horrific and beyond condemnable, especially as it targeted civilians and young lives.

He emphasized the urgent need for stronger ground-level vigilance and timely intervention, adding that authorities must ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice while reinforcing measures to safeguard civilians. He also made a veiled remark on the broader situation, urging people to remember “who provoked” when the state was moving towards peace.

In the aftermath of the attack, authorities imposed an emergency shutdown in the Moirang area and across Bishnupur district as tensions escalated. All schools in the affected regions have been shut, while key routes, including National Highway-2 along the Imphal–Churachandpur road via the Tiddim axis, have been blocked, further disrupting normal life.

The back-to-back incidents underline the fragile security situation in Manipur, which has been grappling with ethnic tensions and sporadic violence for months. Security forces have been deployed in sensitive areas, and operations are likely to be intensified to prevent further escalation.

The latest violence has once again raised serious concerns over civilian safety, especially of vulnerable populations, as Manipur struggles to contain the cycle of unrest.

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