Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh has ordered a probe by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) into the bomb explosion in Bishnupur district that killed two children, describing the incident as a “cruel act” intended to disrupt peace in the state.
Announcing the decision at a press briefing, Singh said the move to hand over the investigation to the NIA followed consultations with state officials and local legislators, amid concerns over the nature of the attack.
The explosion occurred around 1 am in Moirang Tronglaobi, where suspected militants allegedly hurled a bomb into a residential house. A five-year-old boy and a six-month-old girl were killed in the blast, while their mother sustained injuries.
Authorities said the family was asleep when the explosion took place.
The Chief Minister said preliminary indications suggested the involvement of elements seeking to create unrest, and directed security forces to identify and apprehend those responsible at the earliest.
Also read: Manipur remains tense but calm after blast killed 2 children
“The attack appears to have been carried out by groups or individuals trying to disturb peace,” Singh said, urging swift action.
A large-scale search operation has been launched, with teams from the state police, Assam Rifles, and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) deployed in the area. Aerial surveillance is also being used to track suspects, officials said.
Singh noted that the perpetrators have not yet been identified and that investigations are at a preliminary stage.
Appealing for calm, the Chief Minister urged residents not to react in anger and to cooperate with security forces as efforts continue to restore normalcy in the region.
The incident sparked protests in several areas. In Tronglaobi, demonstrators set fire to two oil tankers and a truck near a petrol pump, burnt tyres outside a police station, and damaged a temporary police post.
The unrest spread to parts of Imphal, where protesters blocked roads and halted vehicles, causing major disruptions.
State Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam said clashes during the protests left two people dead and five others injured after a group attacked a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) camp in Bishnupur.
The incident has heightened tensions in parts of Manipur, with security tightened and vigilance increased across sensitive areas.
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