Tensions in Manipur escalated sharply after a deadly bomb attack in Moirang claimed the lives of two children and left their mother injured. In response, the state government imposed a curfew in Bishnupur district and suspended mobile internet services across five districts for three days. The move came amid fears of further unrest in an already sensitive region.

According to an official order issued by the Home Department on April 7, mobile internet services have been shut down in Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal, Kakching, and Bishnupur districts. The curfew was enforced in Bishnupur, where the attack occurred shortly after midnight on Tuesday. Authorities stated that these steps were necessary to maintain public order and prevent the spread of misinformation. The order noted that the "Temporary suspension/curbing of internet services... is necessitated in public interest," and clarified that the restrictions would come into effect from 2 pm on April 7.

The incident took place in Tronglaobi Awang Leikai village in Moirang, an area that has seen ongoing tensions between the Meitei and Kuki communities. Suspected militants reportedly hurled an explosive device at a residential home while the family was asleep. The blast killed a 5-year-old boy and a six-month-old girl on the spot, while their mother sustained injuries. The attack has shocked the region and disturbed the fragile peace that had recently begun to settle.

Following the explosion, protests broke out across nearby areas. Angry locals took to the streets and set fire to two oil tankers and a truck near a petrol pump. Tyres were burned outside a police station, and a temporary police outpost was also damaged. The situation quickly turned tense, forcing authorities to deploy security forces to control the unrest and prevent further escalation.

The unrest intensified when a large group of protesters gathered and moved toward a Central Reserve Police Force camp located near the foothills of P Gelmol, close to the Bishnupur-Churachandpur border. Security personnel attempted to disperse the crowd by firing rounds and using smoke bombs. The clash left at least 19 people injured, who were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment. Officials also confirmed that one person died at the scene during the confrontation.

The violence created chaos in the area, affecting not only residents but also media personnel covering the events. Journalists present at the site were forced to seek shelter in a nearby canal area to protect themselves as the situation spiralled out of control. The incident highlighted the unpredictable and dangerous nature of the unrest in the region.

Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh strongly condemned the attack, calling it a brutal and unacceptable act. He described it as a "barbaric act" and "an outright assault on humanity". He assured that strict action would be taken against those responsible. "Let there be no doubt, those responsible will be identified, hunted down, and dealt with firmly under the law. Such acts of terror will not be tolerated under any circumstances," he said.

Local MLA Th Shanti Singh of the National People’s Party also condemned the incident and blamed specific groups for the attack. He alleged that "Kuki narco-terrorists" were behind the explosion. Expressing strong condemnation, he said, "This heinous act is nothing less than an act of terrorism. Such inhuman acts have no place in our society and must be condemned in the strongest possible terms."

The attack has once again exposed the deep-rooted tensions in Manipur and disrupted the fragile calm in the valley districts. The combination of violence, public anger, and security measures reflects the seriousness of the situation. Authorities continue to monitor developments closely as efforts are underway to restore order and prevent further incidents.