Imphal: The Manipur government on Tuesday ordered a temporary suspension of internet and mobile data services in five districts for three days following unrest triggered by the death of two children in a suspected rocket attack in Bishnupur district.
The suspension applies to Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Kakching, and Bishnupur districts and has been enforced with immediate effect as authorities attempt to control the law and order situation amid rising protests.
Two Children Killed in Suspected Rocket Strike
The violence erupted after a suspected rocket-propelled projectile struck a house in Moirang Tronglaobi Awang Leikai village in Bishnupur district early Tuesday morning.
According to reports, the explosion occurred at the residence of a Border Security Force (BSF) personnel while the family was asleep. The projectile reportedly hit a bedroom window around 1:03 am, triggering a powerful blast.
The injured were rushed to a hospital in Imphal, but a five-month-old baby girl and a five-year-old boy succumbed to their injuries, while their mother sustained injuries in the attack.
Protests Erupt, Security Tightened
The tragic incident sparked widespread protests across parts of Manipur, with angry demonstrators taking to the streets.
Reports indicate that protesters attempted to storm a CRPF camp, while oil tankers were set on fire in some areas as outrage spread over the deaths of the children.
In response, authorities imposed internet restrictions to prevent the spread of misinformation and maintain public order.
Suspected Militant Involvement
Preliminary information suggests that suspected Kuki militants may have carried out the attack. The projectile struck the house in Tronglaobi village, an area located close to the foothills of Churachandpur district, where armed groups are believed to operate.
The village lies about 46 kilometres from the state capital Imphal and has previously witnessed similar incidents.
Notably, Manipur’s first rocket attack occurred in the same village in September 2024, when a 72-year-old man was killed and five others were injured.
Another Explosive Device Found
Security forces also discovered another rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) planted near the site of the explosion, raising fears of a possible larger attack.
Following the incident, additional security forces have been deployed in the region, and authorities have placed the area on high alert.
Search operations and surveillance have been intensified in nearby hill areas to track down those responsible and prevent further escalation.
Government Condemns the Attack
Manipur Home Minister K Govindas strongly condemned the incident, describing it as a barbaric act.
In a message on social media platform X, he expressed condolences to the bereaved family and assured that those responsible for the attack would be brought to justice.
Background of Ethnic Tensions
Manipur has been grappling with ethnic tensions between the Meitei and Kuki communities since May 2023, when a high court order triggered widespread violence across the state.
The now-revoked order had proposed granting Meitei community members certain benefits, including land rights in protected areas and reservation in government jobs, which sparked protests and clashes.
Although incidents of violence had declined in 2025 after prolonged unrest, the security situation in the state remains fragile, with occasional flare-ups continuing to raise concerns.
Authorities are now closely monitoring the situation as security operations intensify to prevent further violence and restore stability in the region.
