Internet shut down after deadly bomb blast in Manipur, tensions escalate

In the aftermath of a deadly bomb explosion that killed two children in Manipur’s Bishnupur district, authorities have imposed a sweeping internet shutdown across multiple districts in a bid to contain unrest and misinformation.

The Manipur government suspended mobile internet services for three days in Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal, Kakching, and Bishnupur following the attack, which also left a woman injured. Officials said the decision was taken to curb the spread of rumours and prevent further escalation of violence.

The blast, which occurred around 1 am at a residence in Tronglaobi Awang Leikai village, claimed the lives of a five-year-old boy and a five-month-old girl while they were asleep. The injured mother is currently undergoing treatment.

Chief Minister N Biren Singh condemned the attack as a ‘barbaric act’ and assured strict action against those responsible, stating that such violence is an attempt to derail peace in the state.

Following the incident, protests erupted in parts of the state, with angry residents blocking roads and setting vehicles on fire, further intensifying tensions. Security forces have since been deployed in large numbers, and combing operations are underway to track down the perpetrators.

Authorities have also imposed a curfew in Bishnupur, underlining the gravity of the situation.

The latest violence highlights the fragile law-and-order situation in Manipur, where ethnic tensions have repeatedly flared up. The internet shutdown, while aimed at maintaining order, has once again sparked debate over access to information versus security in conflict-hit regions.

(With inputs from syndicated feed)