Two children killed in likely rocket attack in Manipur as tensions escalate

A deadly strike on a civilian home has reignited tensions in Manipur, sparking protests, arson and fresh security concerns as authorities scramble to contain a rapidly escalating situation across vulnerable districts.

In Short

• Rocket or mortar attack hits civilian home in Bishnupur
• Mother critically injured, children died in hospital after blast
• Protests erupt, vehicles set on fire in response to attack

Fresh violence has shaken Manipur after a suspected rocket or mortar attack hit a civilian home in Bishnupur district, killing two young children and leaving their mother critically injured.

The incident took place in the early hours of April 7 at Tronglaobi Awang Leikai in Moirang, a village located along the sensitive hill-valley boundary.

According to preliminary information, a projectile believed to have been fired from nearby hill areas struck the residence of Oinam Malemnganba, a Border Security Force personnel posted outside the state.

At the time of the blast, his wife, 37-year-old Oinam Ongbi Binita, and their two children, a five-year-old boy and a five-month-old infant, were inside the house.

The explosion caused severe structural damage and left all three critically injured.

CHILDREN SUCCUMB TO INJURIES, MOTHER CRITICAL

They were rushed to a hospital in Imphal, where the two children died during treatment. Binita is undergoing treatment for splinter injuries sustained in the blast.

Residents said a loud explosion was heard moments after the projectile struck, triggering panic across the village.

AREA LONG SEEN AS VULNERABLE

Tronglaobi lies close to the foothills of Churachandpur district and is considered sensitive due to its proximity to areas where armed groups are believed to be active.

Villagers claimed that projectiles have been fired earlier from elevated positions in surrounding hills, suggesting the use of long-range weapons from several kilometres away.

PROTESTS ERUPT, VEHICLES SET ON FIRE

The attack has sharply escalated tensions in the valley districts. In the aftermath, angry locals allegedly set fire to two oil tankers and a truck passing through Bishnupur, reportedly headed towards Churachandpur.

A group of protesters also gathered at the Moirang Police Station, adding pressure on the local administration.

SECURITY TIGHTENED, LEADERS CALL FOR CALM

Security forces have increased deployment in the region, placing the area on high alert. Search operations and surveillance have been launched in adjoining hill areas to track those responsible.

Local MLA Thongam Shanti condemned the attack and called for strict action against those behind it.

Authorities have appealed for calm, urging residents not to resort to violence.

SCHOOLS SHUT AMID RISING TENSIONS

As a precaution, several schools in valley districts remained closed on April 7 amid fears of further unrest.

Manipur has been witnessing ethnic tensions and sporadic violence for months, particularly along the hill-valley divide, posing continued challenges for security forces and the administration.

- Ends