In a key moment captured on video, one resident claimed there were gaps between security camps that could have allowed infiltration, but another countered that all routes are tightly guarded by the CRPF, denying the existence of any porous zones.
BY PC Bureau
April 8, 2026: Security forces have arrested three active cadres of the banned United Kuki National Army (UKNA) from different areas in Churachandpur district in connection with the deadly bomb attack at Tronglaobi Awang Leikai in Bishnupur district on April 7, 2026.
The arrests mark an early breakthrough in the investigation into the incident, which claimed the lives of two minor children — a 5-year-old boy and his 5-month-old sister — while critically injuring their mother. The case has now been handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for a detailed probe.
However, it remains unclear what evidence the security forces have against the three UKNA cadres. Questions have also been raised on the ground. When the Chief Minister visited the site of the killing, locals were heard in a viral video suggesting that the mortar shell may not have been fired from the hills. One particularly crucial detail emerged during the exchange: when one person in front of the camera claimed there were gaps between security camps through which Kuki groups could have slipped in, another immediately interjected, asserting that there were no porous areas and that all routes are guarded by the CRPF.
There have also been unverified reports hinting at the possibility of an insider role aimed at destabilising the government, though no official confirmation has been provided.
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Manipur : Meitei villagers themselves confirmed that security forces, including the Sikh Regiment, @crpfindia and Gorkha Regiment are deployed in the region not only inside the deserted Kuki villages but across every inch of the surrounding perimeter and buffer zone, making it… pic.twitter.com/h9ucg2EgMv
— Neng Khongsai KUKI (@KhongsaiChanu) April 7, 2026
Denial by Kuki Organisations
On the day of the attack (April 7), several prominent Kuki-Zo organisations, including the Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF) and apex bodies such as the Kuki Zo Council, strongly rejected allegations linking their community to the incident. In separate statements, the ITLF termed the accusations “baseless and unsupported by credible evidence.” The groups expressed grief over the deaths, extended condolences to the bereaved family, and urged authorities and the public not to blame any community without a proper investigation. They also appealed for restraint to prevent further escalation of tensions.
As of April 8, 2026, none of these organisations have issued any official reaction to the arrest of the three UKNA cadres.
Details of the Arrests
The three suspected UKNA cadres were apprehended during coordinated operations in parts of Churachandpur district. Security forces reportedly recovered one AK rifle and one pistol during the arrests.
The detentions come amid heightened security across Manipur following widespread protests in valley districts after the attack. Internet services have been suspended in five valley districts, while curfew has been imposed in parts of Imphal East and Imphal West.
The UKNA, a non-SoO (Suspension of Operations) insurgent group, has been active in parts of Churachandpur and has been the focus of multiple counter-insurgency operations in recent months. Authorities believe the arrested individuals may have been directly or indirectly linked to the Tronglaobi attack.
Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh has condemned the incident and directed security forces to intensify operations to bring those responsible to justice. The NIA is expected to further interrogate the arrested cadres to establish their role, possible links to other incidents, and any wider network involved.
Security remains tight in sensitive areas along the Bishnupur–Churachandpur border, and authorities have urged the public to remain calm, cooperate with the investigation, and report any suspicious activity.
Further details, including the identities of the arrested individuals, are expected to emerge as the NIA probe progresses.
