Manipur: Internet suspended, curfew imposed in 5 valley districts after deadly bomb attack

The incident occurred in Bishnupur district and has triggered renewed unrest in the region.

The shutdown applies to Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal, Kakching and Bishnupur, according to an order issued by the state’s Home Department on April 7.

Officials have also imposed a curfew in Bishnupur, where the explosion took place shortly after midnight.

The government stated that the restrictions aim to prevent the spread of misinformation and maintain public order.

The suspension of services came into effect from 2 pm on April 7.

Deadly explosion in Moirang

The attack took place in Moirang, specifically in Tronglaobi Awang Leikai village, an area that has witnessed repeated tensions between the Meitei and Kuki communities.

A five-year-old boy and a six-month-old girl were killed while they were asleep after suspected militants hurled an explosive device at their home.

Their mother sustained injuries in the blast.

The incident has intensified existing tensions and led to widespread anger among local residents.

Protests turn violent

Following the explosion, protests broke out across the area.

Demonstrators set fire to two oil tankers and a truck near a petrol station, burnt tyres outside a police station, and damaged a temporary police outpost.

A large group later moved towards a camp of the Central Reserve Police Force near the foothills of P Gelmol, close to the Bishnupur–Churachandpur border.

Security personnel responded by firing rounds and deploying smoke bombs to disperse the crowd.

Officials reported that at least 19 individuals sustained injuries during the clashes and were taken to nearby hospitals. One fatality was also reported at the site.

Journalists covering the unrest were forced to seek shelter in a nearby canal area amid escalating violence.

CM condemns attack

Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh described the incident as a barbaric act and condemned it as an assault on humanity.

He stated that those responsible would be identified and prosecuted under the law, adding that such acts would not be tolerated under any circumstances.

Local political leaders also condemned the attack, calling it an act of terrorism and urging strict action against those involved.

Fragile calm shattered amid renewed tensions

The latest violence has disrupted a period of relative calm in Manipur and reignited tensions across the valley districts.

Authorities remain on high alert as security forces continue to monitor the situation and prevent further escalation.