Following the killing of the two children and their mother injured in what seemed like a rocket attack, the Manipur government suspended mobile internet for three days across five districts. The incident ignited a fresh wave of protests and violence in the strife-torn Manipur.
According to the Home Department order issued on April 7, the internet was suspended in Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal, Kakching, and Bishnupur districts.
“Temporary suspension/curbing of internet services… is necessitated in public interest,” the order said.
The Incident
The incident takes its roots from a 5-year-old boy and a 6-month-old girl being killed while sleeping and their mother being injured when suspected militants lobbed an explosive at their home in Troglaobi Awang Leikai village in Moirang, which is the focal area of unrest between the communities Meitei and Kuki.
The incident ignited protest, with locals setting ablaze two oil tankers and a truck near a petrol pump, leading to burnt tires outside a police station and damaging a makeshift police outpost. Following the incident, security forces were deployed to maintain peace and order.
Shortly after this, in continuation of the protest, a larger mob stormed a Central Reserve Police Force camp near the foothills of P Gelmol situated close to the Bishnupur-Churandpur border.
Firing rounds and smoke bombs were used by security personnel to disperse the crowd, leading to the injury of 19 people and the reported death of one person at the scene.
Labeling the attack as “barbaric,” Chief Minister Y. Khemchand Singh said, “Let there be no doubt; those responsible will be identified, hunted down, and dealt with firmly under the law. Such acts of terror will not be tolerated under any circumstances.”
Condemning the attack, Manipur Home Minister K. Govindas posted on X, “In a barbaric early morning act, two innocent children, a 5-year-old boy and a 5-month-old baby girl, lost their lives while asleep with their mother. Heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. Such brutality will not be tolerated. The matter is under active investigation, and all necessary steps are being taken to bring those responsible to justice.”
Local NPP MLA Th. Shanti Singh said, “This heinous act is nothing less than an act of terrorism. Such inhuman acts have no place in our society and must be condemned in the strongest possible terms.”
