Internet Suspended In 5 Manipur Districts After Suspected Rocket Attack Kills Two Children

Fresh protests broke out across Manipur on Tuesday after a suspected rocket strike on a house in Bishnupur district killed two young children and injured their mother, triggering fresh fears in a state still struggling with fragile peace after months of ethnic unrest. In response to the worsening law and order situation, the Manipur government suspended internet and mobile data services in five districts for three days.

Internet Curbs Imposed As Tensions Escalate

The state government ordered the temporary suspension of internet and mobile data services with immediate effect in Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Kakching and Bishnupur districts. The move came after public anger intensified over the deaths of a five-month-old girl and a five-year-old boy in the early morning attack.

Authorities imposed the curbs amid a wider security clampdown as protests spread in several areas. Demonstrators reportedly attempted to storm a CRPF camp, while oil tankers were also set on fire during protests against the suspected strike in Moirang.

Two Children Killed In Early Morning Attack In Bishnupur

The suspected rocket strike took place in Moirang Tronglaobi Awang Leikai in Bishnupur district at around 1.03 am on Tuesday. According to officials, the projectile struck the bedroom window of a house belonging to a Border Security Force (BSF) personnel while the family was asleep.

The blast left multiple family members injured, and they were rushed to a hospital in Imphal. However, the five-month-old girl and the five-year-old boy later succumbed to their injuries. Their mother was also injured in the attack.

Local residents said a loud explosion was heard moments after the projectile hit the house, causing panic across the village. Tronglaobi, situated near the foothills of Churachandpur district, has long been viewed as a vulnerable area because of its proximity to zones where armed groups are believed to be active.

K Govindas Condemns Attack, Probe Underway

Manipur Home Minister K Govindas condemned the killings and said the attack was under active investigation.

"In a barbaric early morning act, two innocent children, a 5-year-old boy and a 5-month-old baby girl, lost their lives while asleep with their mother. Heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. Such brutality will not be tolerated. The matter is under active investigation, and all necessary steps are being taken to bring those responsible to justice."

Officials said suspected Kuki militants were believed to be behind the attack. Meanwhile, another rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) was reportedly found planted near the site of the incident, raising concerns about a possible wider threat in the area.

Security Heightened In Area With History Of Rocket Attacks

Following the strike, security forces stepped up deployment in and around Bishnupur, placing the region on high alert. Search operations and surveillance have also been intensified in adjoining hill areas to identify those behind the attack and prevent further violence.

Tronglaobi, located around 46 km from Imphal and bordering Churachandpur district, has previously witnessed similar violence. The village was the site of Manipur's first rocket attack in September 2024, when a 72-year-old man was killed and five others were injured.

The latest incident has once again exposed the fragile security situation in the state, where calm had only recently begun to return after years of unrest.

Fragile Peace In Manipur Faces Fresh Test

Manipur has remained deeply divided since ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities erupted in May 2023, following a high court order that later got revoked. The order had granted the Meitei community certain benefits, including land ownership rights in protected areas and quotas in government jobs, sparking widespread tensions.

Although reports of violence had reduced in 2025 after nearly three years of unrest, peace in the state has remained delicate. Tuesday's deadly attack and the violent protests that followed have once again pushed Manipur into a tense and uncertain phase.