Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Tuesday announced that the Tronglaobi blast case, in which two children were killed in the early hours of the day, will be handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
The decision follows high-level consultations as authorities move to intensify the probe into the attack.
Addressing a press conference at his official residence, the Chief Minister strongly condemned the incident, stating that it appeared to be the work of elements seeking to disrupt peace in the state. He said the decision to transfer the case to the NIA was taken after discussions with the Home Minister and legislators.
He added that the perpetrators have not yet been identified and assured that efforts are underway to trace those responsible. A large-scale combing operation has been launched, with joint deployment of State Police, Assam Rifles and CRPF. Helicopters have also been pressed into service as part of the intensified search.
The Chief Minister said a high-level security review meeting involving the Army, Assam Rifles, State Police and CRPF has been held. Security forces have been instructed to step up operations and act swiftly against those involved in the attack.
Appealing for calm, he urged citizens not to react emotionally and to cooperate with security agencies to help restore normalcy in the region.
Manipur Home Minister Konthoujam Govindas Singh echoed the concerns, describing those behind the violence as forces attempting to derail peace whenever conditions begin to stabilise. He said security personnel have been directed to carry out combing operations and apprehend those responsible at the earliest.
The Home Minister also reported that five people sustained bullet injuries when protesters attempted to storm a CRPF camp in Bishnupur district earlier in the day. Two of the injured later died, while others suffered minor injuries.
He added that state commandos have been redeployed in hill areas after a long interval, with bulletproof vehicles being used to strengthen operations.
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister and Home Minister visited injured family members at a hospital in Imphal. The Chief Minister also expressed grief over the death of a minor girl at a relief camp in Akampat and announced ex gratia assistance for affected families, extending condolences to the bereaved.