The Manipur government has suspended internet and mobile data services in five districts for three days following protests and tension after the death of two children in a suspected rocket attack.
The shutdown has been imposed in Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Kakching, and Bishnupur districts with immediate effect due to the worsening law and order situation.
The incident took place early Tuesday in Moirang area of Bishnupur district, where a house was hit by a suspected projectile. The explosion happened while the family was asleep.
A five-month-old girl and a five-year-old boy died in the attack. Their mother was also injured and taken to a hospital in Imphal.
The house belonged to a personnel of the Border Security Force (BSF). Officials said the projectile struck the bedroom window, causing a powerful blast inside the house.
Following the incident, protests broke out in the area. Angry locals blocked roads, burned tyres, and tried to march towards a CRPF camp. Some oil tankers were also set on fire during the protests.
Security forces have been deployed in large numbers, and the area has been put on high alert. Search operations are ongoing in nearby hill areas to find those responsible.
State Home Minister K Govindas condemned the attack, calling it “barbaric,” and said strict action will be taken against those involved.
The village where the attack happened is close to Churachandpur district, an area known for past tensions. Notably, a similar rocket attack was reported in the same region in 2024, where one person was killed.
Police suspect involvement of armed groups, possibly linked to ongoing ethnic tensions in the state.
Manipur has been facing unrest since 2023 due to clashes between Meitei and Kuki communities. Although violence had reduced recently, this latest incident has again raised concerns about peace and safety in the region.
Authorities said internet services have been temporarily shut down to control rumours and prevent further escalation of the situation.
