Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh announced that the government has decided to hand over the investigation into the deadly Tronglaobi blast to the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
Addressing a press conference at his official residence in Imphal, the Chief Minister strongly condemned the attack, which claimed the lives of two children in the early hours of Tuesday. He described the incident as an attempt by vested interests to disrupt the fragile peace in the state.
Singh said the decision to involve the NIA was taken after consultations with the Home Minister and other MLAs. He added that the perpetrators have not yet been identified, but a large-scale combing operation is currently underway.
Combined security forces, including the state police, Assam Rifles, and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), have been deployed across the affected areas. Helicopters are also being used as part of the intensified search operation.
The Chief Minister further informed that a high-level security review meeting was held with officials from the Army, Assam Rifles, state police, and CRPF. Instructions have been issued to intensify operations and ensure swift action against those responsible.
Appealing for calm, Singh urged citizens not to give in to panic or emotions and to cooperate with security forces in restoring normalcy.
State Home Minister Konthoujam Govindas Singh stated that such violent acts are often carried out by elements trying to derail peace whenever the situation shows signs of improvement. He confirmed that security forces have been directed to capture the perpetrators “dead or alive,” and that state commandos have been redeployed in hill areas with enhanced protection, including bulletproof vehicles.
Both the Chief Minister and the Home Minister also visited the injured victims at Raj Medicity Hospital in Imphal.
Additionally, the Chief Minister expressed grief over the death of a minor girl at a relief camp in Akampat and announced ex gratia assistance and support for the affected families.
