The Manipur government has handed over the investigation into the deadly Tronglaobi blast to the National Investigation Agency (NIA), even as a large-scale security operation has been launched to track down those responsible for the attack that killed two children. Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh announced the decision during a press conference at his official residence, strongly condemning the incident. He described the blast as a deliberate attempt by certain groups to disturb the fragile peace in the state. The decision to involve the NIA was taken after discussions with the Home Minister and other elected representatives. The Chief Minister said that the perpetrators have not yet been identified, but security forces have already begun intensive operations. A coordinated combing operation is currently underway, involving the state police, Assam Rifles and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). Helicopters have also been deployed to support the search in difficult terrain.
He said clear instructions have been issued to all agencies to act swiftly and ensure that those behind the attack are caught at the earliest. A high-level security review meeting was also held with senior officials from the Army, paramilitary forces and state police to assess the situation and plan further action.Appealing to the public, the Chief Minister urged people to remain calm and cooperate with the authorities. He stressed the need for public support to maintain peace and allow security forces to carry out their operations without disruption. State Home Minister Konthoujam Govindas Singh said such incidents are often carried out by elements trying to derail normalcy when the situation begins to stabilise. He confirmed that security forces have been directed to capture those responsible “dead or alive,” and added that state commandos have been redeployed in hill areas after a long gap, with bulletproof vehicles being used to strengthen operations.
Meanwhile, tensions were also reported in Bishnupur district, where protesters attempted to storm a CRPF camp. Officials said five people suffered bullet injuries during the incident, out of which two later died. Several others sustained minor injuries. The Chief Minister and the Home Minister later visited the injured at Raj Medicity Hospital in Imphal. The Chief Minister also expressed grief over the death of a minor girl at the Akampat relief camp and announced financial assistance and support for the affected families.
