BISHNUPUR, MANIPUR — A devastating Manipur bomb attack claimed the lives of two young children in the early hours of Tuesday. The incident occurred in Moirang Tronglaobi village, located in the Bishnupur district. Suspected Kuki militants allegedly launched a bomb that struck a civilian residence at approximately 1 AM. The victims included a five-year-old boy and a six-month-old girl who were sleeping in their bedroom. Their mother also sustained injuries in the explosion and is currently receiving medical treatment.
Moirang Tronglaobi sits in a vulnerable low-lying area near the Churachandpur hills. This region previously witnessed intense gunfire during the peak of the 2023 and 2024 ethnic unrest. However, this latest targeted attack on a sleeping family has sparked a fresh wave of outrage. Local authorities have cordoned off the area. They are now conducting a forensic analysis to determine the nature of the explosive used in the assault.
Government Suspends Internet Services Amid Growing Protests
In response to the fatal Manipur bomb attack, the state government has taken drastic measures. It ordered a temporary suspension of internet and mobile data services across five districts. These include Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Kakching, and Bishnupur. The three-day blackout began with immediate effect on Tuesday morning. Officials stated that the decision aims to prevent the spread of misinformation and inflammatory content.
Also Read : West Bengal Assembly Election 2026: Mamata Banerjee Files Nomination from Bhabanipur
Spontaneous protests erupted in the Imphal valley as news of the children’s deaths spread. Angry residents have gathered in several locations, demanding immediate military action against the perpetrators. The suspension of services serves as a preventive move to stabilize the law and order situation. Furthermore, security forces have increased patrols along the “buffer zones” that separate the Meitei and Kuki-dominated areas.
Political Leaders Condemn “Narco-Terrorist” Tactics
Local BJP MLA Th Shanti Singh expressed his deep anguish over the incident. He characterized the strike as a brutal act of terrorism. Singh claimed that “narco-terrorists” are specifically targeting civilians to create a sense of fear. He offered his deepest condolences to the bereaved family, noting that such inhuman acts have no place in a civilized society. Moreover, he urged the central government to take a more decisive stance against militant outfits operating in the hills.
The ongoing violence in Manipur stems from complex ethnic divisions between the Meitei and Kuki communities. These tensions first escalated in May 2023 over land rights and tribal status disputes. Since then, the state has struggled with displacement and recurring cycles of violence. Although the intensity of clashes had decreased in late 2025, this Manipur bomb attack proves that the security situation remains incredibly fragile in 2026.
Current Security Status and Humanitarian Concerns
The Army and paramilitary forces have been deployed in strength to prevent retaliatory strikes. Security agencies are also monitoring the hill-valley borders using drones to track militant movement. Additionally, the District Magistrate has imposed Section 144 in sensitive pockets of Bishnupur. This measure prohibits the assembly of more than four people to curb potential mob violence.
Humanitarian groups have raised concerns about the psychological impact of the violence on children in the state. Thousands of minors remain in relief camps with limited access to education or mental health support. The death of two infants in their own home has further shattered the sense of safety among civilians. As the three-day internet suspension continues, the government faces increasing pressure to find a permanent political solution to the crisis.