Five suspects have been arrested by the National Investigation Agency in connection with the April 7 mortar blast in Manipur’s Bishnupur district that killed two children and injured their mother, state Home Minister K Govindas Konthoujam said.
Addressing reporters at the New Secretariat in Mantripukhri, Konthoujam said the arrested individuals are members of the United Kuki National Liberation Army (UKNLA), a banned outfit that is not part of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) pact with the Centre. He added that all five accused belong to the Kuki community and are currently being interrogated.
The arrests follow the April 7 attack, which triggered widespread outrage after the deaths of two minors — a five-year-old boy and a five-month-old infant — in the mortar explosion.
The minister said the state government is maintaining close coordination with the NIA as the probe progresses. He appealed for calm and cooperation, noting that the authorities are working to ensure accountability in the case.
Also read: Manipur: Over 10 injured in clash over children’s deaths
Referring to a separate incident in Thinungei, Konthoujam said a clash between locals and security personnel occurred due to confusion. A team of Assam Rifles personnel, dressed in plain clothes, was on its way to Kwakta to recover illegal drugs and weapons based on intelligence obtained from a trafficker earlier detained at Imphal Airport.
Residents, suspecting the personnel of carrying illegal arms, intercepted the group, leading to a confrontation in which several people were injured. During the clash, eight firearms were reportedly taken from the personnel, though the minister said all weapons have since been recovered.
Konthoujam said the government is aware of public concerns and reiterated the need for cooperation to restore normalcy.
He also spoke about outreach efforts by Chief Minister N Biren Singh in hill districts, stating that the response from sections of the Kuki community has been encouraging, with multiple development initiatives underway.
Meanwhile, protests demanding justice for the two children killed in the April 7 blast continue across several valley districts, keeping the situation tense.
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