In a decisive move to address the escalating violence in the state, Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh announced on Tuesday, April 7, that the National Investigation Agency (NIA) will take over the probe into the devastating bomb explosion in Bishnupur district. The blast, which occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, tragically claimed the lives of a five-year-old boy and a six-month-old girl.
Addressing a press briefing, Chief Minister Singh condemned the attack as a “cruel act” designed specifically to disrupt the fragile peace in the region. Following high-level consultations with state officials and local lawmakers, he decided to involve the NIA, the country’s premier counter-terrorism agency. The chief minister emphasized that the nature of the crime suggests a deliberate attempt by militants to incite further unrest and communal instability.
The horrifying incident took place at approximately 1:00 AM in Moirang Tronglaobi. According to official reports, militants targeted a residential home, throwing a high-intensity bomb while the occupants were asleep. The explosion instantly killed the two young children and left their mother with serious injuries. The violence currently plaguing the district caught the family completely unaware, highlighting its brutal and indiscriminate nature.
Chief Minister Singh noted that while the specific suspects have not yet been identified, the state has mobilized every available resource to track down the perpetrators. A massive, coordinated search operation is currently underway, involving the Manipur State Police, the Assam Rifles, and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). Furthermore, the government has deployed aerial surveillance and drones to support ground troops in combing the dense terrain for the attackers.
“The attackers appear to be aiming to create unrest,” Singh told reporters, adding that he has instructed security forces to prioritize the apprehension of those responsible. He also issued a heartfelt appeal to the public, urging residents of Bishnupur and surrounding areas to remain calm. He cautioned against retaliatory actions or acting in anger, stressing that cooperation with security personnel is vital to restoring normalcy.
As the NIA prepares to begin its formal investigation, the incident has sparked widespread outrage and grief across the state. The involvement of federal investigators is considered a critical step in identifying the militant groups behind the strike and ensuring that justice is served for the victims of this senseless tragedy.
