Imphal: Fresh violence rocked Manipur on Tuesday after a bomb attack in Bishnupur district killed two siblings-a five-year-old boy and a six-month-old baby girl-in Tronglaobi village.
The attack, allegedly carried out by suspected Kuki armed miscreants, triggered widespread outrage and renewed tensions in the region.
In protest against the killings, a large mob gathered and stormed a CRPF camp in Bishnupur. The situation quickly escalated, prompting CRPF personnel to open fire in an attempt to disperse the crowd.
At least three people were killed in the firing, while several others sustained injuries. The injured were rushed to nearby healthcare centres, with those critically wounded referred to Imphal for advanced treatment.
The exact number of casualties is yet to be officially confirmed at the time of filing this report. Tension remains high across Bishnupur district, with security forces on alert.
Amid the escalating unrest, the Manipur government has imposed a temporary suspension of internet and mobile data services across five valley districts-Bishnupur, Imphal East, Imphal West, Kakching, and Thoubal-for three days starting from 2:00 PM on April 7.
The order, issued under the Temporary Suspension of Telecommunication Services Rules, 2024, cites concerns over the potential misuse of social media platforms to spread inflammatory content, including images, hate speech, and videos that could further incite violence.
Authorities warned that unchecked circulation of misinformation and rumours could lead to the mobilisation of mobs, exacerbate communal tensions, and result in damage to public and private property.
All forms of internet access, including mobile data, broadband, VSAT, and VPN services, have been curtailed in the affected districts. The government stated that the decision was taken as a preventive measure to maintain peace and public order, adding that exemptions may be granted in specific cases.
The order was issued ex-parte, considering the urgency of the situation, and has been circulated through print and electronic media.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh chaired a high-level security meeting at the Chief Minister's Secretariat to review the prevailing law and order situation following the Tronglaobi incident.
The meeting was attended by Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam, Security Advisor Kuldiep Singh, DGP Manipur Rajiv Singh, and senior officials from the Army, Assam Rifles, and central security forces.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as efforts are underway to restore calm in the violence-hit areas.
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