Rocket strike kills two children in Manipur, sparks fresh unrest across valley districts

Fresh violence has jolted Manipur after a suspected rocket or mortar attack struck a civilian home in Bishnupur district in the early hours of April 7, killing two young children and leaving their mother critically injured.

The incident occurred at Tronglaobi Awang Leikai in Moirang, a village situated along the sensitive hill-valley boundary. Preliminary inputs indicate that a projectile, believed to have been fired from nearby hill areas, hit the residence of Oinam Malemnganba, a Border Security Force personnel currently posted outside the state.

At the time of the explosion, his wife, 37-year-old Oinam Ongbi Binita, and their two children—a five-year-old boy and a five-month-old infant—were inside the house. The blast caused extensive structural damage, critically injuring all three.

The victims were rushed to a hospital in Imphal, where both children succumbed to their injuries. Binita continues to undergo treatment for splinter wounds sustained in the attack.

Residents reported hearing a loud explosion moments after the projectile struck, triggering panic across the village.

Tronglaobi, located near the foothills of Churachandpur district, has long been considered vulnerable due to its proximity to areas where armed groups are believed to operate. Villagers claimed that similar projectiles have been fired in the past from elevated hill positions, indicating the possible use of long-range weapons.

The attack has sharply escalated tensions across valley districts. In the aftermath, enraged locals allegedly set fire to two oil tankers and a truck passing through Bishnupur, reportedly en route to Churachandpur. Protesters also gathered outside the Moirang Police Station, intensifying pressure on the local administration.

Security forces have since ramped up deployment, placing the region on high alert. Search operations and surveillance have been launched in adjoining hill areas to identify those responsible.

Local MLA Thongam Shanti condemned the attack and called for strict action against the perpetrators, even as authorities appealed for calm and urged residents to refrain from violence.

As tensions mounted, several schools across valley districts remained shut on April 7 as a precautionary measure.

Manipur has been grappling with prolonged ethnic tensions and intermittent violence, particularly along the hill-valley divide, posing persistent challenges for security forces and the administration.