Tensions Rise in Manipur After Mortar Attack; IED Defused
IED Neutralized Amidst Rising Tensions
Image of the recovered remote-controlled IED. (AT Photo)
Bishnupur, Apr 7: Following the tragic deaths of two minors in a suspected mortar attack in the Moirang Tronglaobi region, the state police's Bomb Disposal Squad successfully defused a remote-controlled improvised explosive device (IED) in Bishnupur district on Tuesday.
The IED, believed to have been placed by Kuki militants, was discovered and neutralized around 11:36 AM, preventing a potential disaster. Reports suggest that the device was planted the previous day.
This incident follows widespread protests in Bishnupur triggered by the mortar blast that claimed the lives of the two minors on the night between Monday and Tuesday.
Thousands of protesters marched from Bishnupur Bazar to Tronglaobi, blocking major roads and igniting tires, which brought daily life to a halt.
Commercial establishments were closed, and schools, colleges, and government offices remained shut, causing significant disruption throughout the district.
In response, security forces have heightened their presence in sensitive areas, deploying additional personnel to prevent further unrest.
In light of the escalating situation, Manipur Chief Minister Y. Khemchand Singh visited Raj Polyclinic on Tuesday morning to check on the condition of the injured mother who lost her two children in the attack.
Expressing deep sorrow, the Chief Minister instructed officials to provide the highest level of medical care and support for the victim.
He condemned the incident as a “barbaric act” and a direct attack on humanity, asserting that it was an attempt to disrupt the fragile peace in the state.
Singh vowed that those responsible would be identified and prosecuted under the law, stating, “Let there be no doubt, those responsible will be hunted down.”
Reiterating the government's commitment to safeguarding citizens, he emphasized that such acts of violence would not be tolerated and urged the public to unite against forces that threaten peace and harmony.
Security measures have been further enhanced across the district as authorities prepare for any potential escalation.