Manipur Bomb Attack Claims Lives of Two Young Siblings, Mother Critically Injured
In a tragic incident that has plunged Manipur back into turmoil, two siblings—a five-year-old boy and his five-month-old sister—were killed, and their mother was critically injured in a pre-dawn bomb attack by unidentified miscreants in Bishnupur district. The explosion occurred at approximately 1:05 am at Tronglaobi Awang Leikai, where the bomb was hurled at their house, damaging part of the structure. The children were asleep in the bedroom when the bomb struck, leading to their immediate deaths.
Violent Protests Erupt Following the Attack
Anger quickly spilled onto the streets as Meitei protesters attempted to storm the Moirang police station in response to the attack. During the confrontation, they torched the gate of the police station, escalating tensions. What followed was a series of gunfire incidents, resulting in at least five persons being injured. A police source indicated that it remains unclear who fired the shots and from where, adding to the chaos and uncertainty in the region.
Government Response and Security Measures
In an effort to contain the unrest, the Governor's office ordered the suspension of internet and mobile data services in five districts: Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Kakching, and Bishnupur. This move aimed to prevent the spread of misinformation and curb further violence. Across valley districts, roadblocks, tyre burnings, and widespread protests were reported, severely disrupting traffic and heightening tensions among residents.
The mother of the deceased children, a nurse working in Guwahati who was visiting the house for a religious function, is now in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at a hospital in Imphal, fighting for her life. The attack has drawn sharp condemnation from state authorities.
Chief Minister's Condemnation and Security Review
Chief Minister Y. Khemchand chaired a high-level security review meeting, emphasizing that "restoring peace and normalcy remains the government's top priority." He visited the injured mother at Raj Medicity hospital and strongly condemned the attack, stating, "This barbaric act is an outright assault on humanity and a direct attempt to derail the hard-earned peace in Manipur. I condemn it in the strongest possible terms. Those responsible will be identified, hunted down, and dealt with firmly under the law."
The incident has reignited fears of instability in Manipur, a state that has been striving for peace amid ongoing conflicts. The government's swift action, including the internet suspension and security reviews, underscores the severity of the situation and the urgent need to address the underlying tensions to prevent further violence and loss of innocent lives.
