Imphal, India – Web Desk: Violence erupted in India’s northeastern state of Manipur after a suspected rocket strike on a civilian home in Bishnupur district killed two young children, authorities said Tuesday.
The early-morning attack in the village of Tronglaobi Awang Leikai, located in Moirang area, struck a house where a five-year-old boy and his infant sister were sleeping. Their mother sustained critical injuries and was rushed to hospital, officials added.
Following the attack, residents staged protests, clashing with security forces in Bishnupur and nearby areas. The state government imposed an indefinite curfew in the most affected districts, including Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal, and Kakching, and suspended internet services to prevent unrest from spreading. Several army vehicles were reportedly set ablaze during the protests.
The state government has handed over the investigation to India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA). Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh condemned the attack as an “assault on humanity” and visited survivors, assuring citizens that security forces would deliver justice and medical care to the injured.
Manipur has experienced intermittent ethnic violence since 2023, primarily between the Meitei majority in the Imphal Valley and tribal groups from surrounding hill districts. Analysts cite longstanding disputes over land, identity, and political representation as the source of recurring clashes, which have previously killed scores and displaced thousands.
Security forces have increased patrols and search operations in both valley and hill districts to prevent further escalation, while urging residents to remain calm and allow authorities to maintain order.
