The victims, children of a Border Security Force personnel, were killed in their sleep, triggering widespread anger and unrest across multiple district
BY PC Bureau
April 9, 2026 — Defying an indefinite curfew across five districts of the Imphal Valley, thousands of protesters took to the streets on Thursday, voicing anger over a deadly bomb attack in Bishnupur that killed two young children earlier this week. The incident has reignited tensions in violence-hit Manipur, triggering widespread unrest, tyre burnings, road blockades, and clashes with security forces.
The protests were triggered by a late-night attack on April 7 in Tronglaobi Awang Leikai village in Bishnupur district, where a rocket-propelled projectile struck a residence around 1 a.m. The blast killed a five-year-old boy and his infant sister, while their mother, Oinam Binita, sustained critical injuries and remains under treatment. The family belongs to the Meitei community, and the children were reportedly the offspring of a personnel from the Border Security Force.
The village lies in a sensitive fringe area bordering Kuki-Zomi-dominated hill districts, intensifying suspicions and tensions. While no group has claimed responsibility, Kuki organisations have denied involvement even as Meitei groups allege militant culpability.
Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh condemned the attack as a “barbaric act” and assured strict action, while the case has been handed over to the National Investigation Agency for a detailed probe.
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Soon after the incident, an enraged mob attacked a nearby camp of the Central Reserve Police Force, vandalising property and setting vehicles on fire. Security forces responded with firing, leading to the deaths of three protesters and injuries to several others.
Authorities swiftly imposed an indefinite curfew across Imphal East, Imphal West, Bishnupur, Kakching, and Thoubal districts. Internet and mobile data services were also suspended to curb the spread of misinformation and prevent further mobilisation.
#WATCH इम्फाल, मणिपुर: ऑल मणिपुर यूनाइटेड क्लब्स ऑर्गनाइज़ेशन (AMUCO) ने कई अन्य नागरिक समाज समूहों के साथ मिलकर, गुरुवार को इम्फाल में एक विरोध रैली निकाली, जिसमें हाल ही में हुई ट्रोंगलाओबी घटना के लिए न्याय की मांग की गई।
जैसे ही रैली कीशामथोंग होदाम लीराक पहुंची, केंद्रीय और… pic.twitter.com/Ejbs3Nv1cn
— ANI_HindiNews (@AHindinews) April 9, 2026
Protests Defy Curfew
Despite restrictions, protests intensified on April 8 and 9 across multiple areas. In Imphal West, large crowds gathered in Kwakeithel and attempted to march toward the Chief Minister’s residence before being stopped by security personnel. Demonstrations were also reported in Samurou, Moirang, Ningthoukhong, and parts of Imphal East, where agitators burned tyres and clashed with police, prompting the use of tear gas in some areas.
Civil society groups demanded immediate arrests and stronger security measures in vulnerable fringe regions. Many protesters described the attack as premeditated and warned of continued agitation if justice is delayed.
In the aftermath, police arrested three suspected cadres linked to the United Kuki National Army (UKNA) and recovered weapons, including an assault rifle and a pistol. However, the UKNA has denied any involvement, stating it does not target civilians and asserting that none of its members have been detained.
The conflicting claims have complicated the investigation, with agencies now probing multiple angles, including the possible role of local operatives or rival armed groups.
Manipur has been grappling with ethnic violence between Meitei and Kuki-Zomi communities since 2023, leaving hundreds dead and thousands displaced. While recent months had seen relative calm, the latest attack has once again exposed the fragility of peace in the state.
As of Thursday, tensions remain high but partially contained under heavy security deployment and curfew measures. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, urging restraint as investigations proceed.
