2 Children Killed in Manipur Bomb Attack as CM Condemns ‘Barbaric Act’

Two children were killed and their mother injured in a bomb attack in Manipur’s Bishnupur district early Tuesday, prompting protests by locals, police said.

The incident occurred around 1 am in the Moirang Tronglaobi area, when suspected militants hurled a bomb at a house. The explosion killed a 5-year-old boy and a six-month-old girl , while their mother sustained injuries, a senior officer said.

Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh condemned the attack as a " barbaric act " and assured that those responsible would be identified and dealt with firmly under the law . “This is an outright assault on humanity and a direct attempt to derail the hard-earned peace in Manipur. Let there be no doubt, such acts of terror will not be tolerated under any circumstances,” he said. While he expressed deep concern for the family, the CM did not announce any direct financial assistance. He also urged citizens to remain united against forces seeking to disturb communal harmony.

Angry locals staged protests , torching two oil tankers and a truck near a petrol pump, burning tyres in front of the Moirang Police Station, and destroying a makeshift police outpost. Security forces were deployed to restore order.

Moirang Tronglaobi, a low-lying area near the hills of Churachandpur , had witnessed consistent gunfire during the ethnic conflict between Meiteis and Kuki-Zo groups in 2023 and 2024 , police said. An explosive device was also recovered nearby on Tuesday.

Local NPP MLA Th Shanti Singh condemned the attack, calling it a " heinous act of terrorism " allegedly carried out by “Kuki narco-terrorists.” He paid tribute to the victims and expressed condolences to the bereaved family.

Since May 2023, ethnic violence between Meiteis and Kuki-Zo groups has claimed over 260 lives and rendered thousands homeless , highlighting the region’s fragile peace.