A suspected rocket strike on a house in Bishnupur district early Tuesday claimed the lives of two young children and triggered fresh unrest, prompting authorities to tighten security across the region.

Child Casualties in Manipur Violence: Mother Injured

The injured victims were immediately taken to a hospital in Imphal. However, a five-month-old girl and a five-year-old boy later died from their injuries. Their mother was also hurt in the blast.

The bodies have been kept at the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS).

Midnight Attack by Suspected Militants in Manipur

Officials confirmed that suspected Kuki militants carried out the attack at Moirang Tronglaobi Awang Leikai around 1.03 am. The explosion occurred at the home of a Border Security Force (BSF) personnel after a projectile struck the bedroom window while the family was asleep.

Manipur Minister Condemns ‘Barbaric’ Attack

Manipur Home Minister K Govindas strongly condemned the incident and expressed condolences.

“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.”

Security Alert in Sensitive Churachandpur Border Area

Residents reported hearing a loud explosion soon after the impact, which caused panic across the village. Tronglaobi lies close to the foothills of Churachandpur district and is considered a sensitive area due to the presence of armed groups nearby.

The village is located about 46 km from Imphal and borders Churachandpur district.

Additional RPG Found, Security Tightened in Manipur

Authorities also discovered another rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) planted near the site, raising fears of further attacks.

Security forces have increased deployment and placed the area on high alert. Search operations and surveillance are underway in nearby hill regions to track down those responsible and prevent escalation.

Previous Rocket Attack in Manipur Raises Concerns

Tronglaobi had earlier witnessed a similar rocket attack in September 2024, in which a 72-year-old man was killed and five others were injured.

Protests in Bishnupur After Attack, Police Station Targeted

Following the attack, angry residents protested, accusing security forces of failing to control armed groups. A mob stormed the Moirang police station and set a sentry post on fire.

They also called for an indefinite bandh in the Nambol area of Bishnupur district along Tiddim Road (NH-2).

In a separate incident, protesters set two oil tankers on fire while they were passing through Bishnupur, reportedly heading towards Churachandpur.

Schools Closed in Manipur Valley Amid Unrest

As a precaution, several schools in the valley districts remained closed on Tuesday due to fears of further violence.