Four people, including two minors, were killed in an incident that took place in the Imphal Valley, the provincial capital of Manipur, on Tuesday, Indian media reported.
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Violence has flared up again in the northeastern Indian state of Manipur, after the violent protests that have been raging for nearly three years have not completely subsided.
Four people, including two minors, were killed in an incident in the Imphal Valley, the provincial capital, on Tuesday, Indian media reported.
The situation had been relatively calm since the formation of a new elected government in February after nearly a year of President's rule. However, tensions have flared up again after Tuesday's incident.
According to the Bishnupur district administration of Manipur, a 5-year-old boy and a 6-month-old girl were killed on the spot when a suspected armed group hurled a bomb at a house in Moirang Tronlaobi area at around 1 am on Tuesday. Their mother was seriously injured. The area borders the lower reaches of the Manipuri (Maitei) community, which is the majority indigenous community, and Churachandpur district, which is dominated by another tribal community, the Kuki.
Local residents were agitated as news of the incident spread. The situation became more tense after an angry mob attacked a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) camp near the scene.
Dozens of protesters were injured when security forces opened fire to control the situation. According to state Home Minister Konthaujam Govindas, two more people died of the bullet injuries.
The protesters burned tires on the road and set fire to two oil tankers, a truck and a makeshift police post.
Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchandra Singh has decided to hand over the investigation to the National Investigation Agency (CBI), calling the incident barbaric. Mobile and internet services have been suspended in five districts of the Imphal Valley for three days following the incident.
The local administration has imposed curfew orders in Bishnupur district and imposed strict restrictions on the movement of the general public.
Meanwhile, a joint team of the state police, Assam Rifles and Central Reserve Police Force along with helicopters has started a 'combing operation'. Commandos with bulletproof vehicles have been redeployed in the hilly areas after a long gap.
The situation in Manipur remained tense on Wednesday, according to media reports. The Chief Minister has urged the general public to remain calm and has pledged to bring the culprits to justice.
More than 260 people have died in Manipur in the communal violence that began in May 2023 and displaced more than 62,000 people.
