How Manipur unrest is flaring up again after deaths of children, Naga civilians

Fresh tensions have resurfaced in Manipur, with districts in the Imphal Valley witnessing daily protests following the killing of two children of a BSF jawan in a bomb blast at Tronglaobi in Bishnupur on April 7. Demonstrations in recent days have turned violent, with clashes reported between protesters and security personnel.

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The two victims — a five-year-old boy and a six-month-old girl — were killed when a rocket-propelled projectile, allegedly fired by Kuki militants, struck their home in Tronglaobi village in Bishnupur district. The state government has handed over the case to the National Investigation Agency for a detailed probe.

Fresh violence

Meitei civil society groups and officials have accused Kuki-Zo insurgent groups based in Churachandpur of carrying out the attack. The incident has further deepened tensions amid the ongoing ethnic conflict between the Meitei and Kuki communities.

Protests demanding justice for the killings have intensified across the Valley. On Monday (April 20), a seven-kilometre torch rally was held from Mayai Lambi to Keishamthong in Imphal West district. According to police, the rally later turned violent, leading to clashes with security personnel.

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Violent incidents were also reported from Ukhrul district and nearby areas, including attacks on civilians and security personnel. In the Greater Imphal area, Manipur Police arrested 19 people on Sunday (April 19) for violating curfew orders and engaging in offences such as road blockades and damage to public property.

Anti-social elements during protests

Police have also alleged that “anti-social elements” are attempting to hijack protest rallies to target security forces. Superintendent of Police Ksh Shivakanta Singh said that while many participants join “Meira rallies” to seek justice, some groups are using the gatherings as cover for unlawful activities.

Authorities flagged specific threats, including the use of petrol bombs, catapults fitted with iron projectiles, and targeted stone-pelting. Several participants were also found to be under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicants, according to police reports.

Five-day shutdown

The unrest comes amid a five-day total shutdown called by the Meira Paibi Lup (Women Torch Bearers), protesting the deaths of the two children. The influential Meitei women’s groups have accused the state government and central forces of failing to ensure civilian safety.

Also read: Night rallies continue in Manipur over death of 2 children in bomb attack

Meanwhile, in Ukhrul district headquarters, a candlelight vigil was held on Monday (April 20) to condemn after two Tangkhul Naga civilians were killed in an attack on April 18. The victims died after a passenger vehicle travelling along the Imphal–Ukhrul road was ambushed by suspected Kuki militants near TM Kasom village. A few others sustained injuries in the incident.

Clashes since 2023

The recent attacks have heightened tensions across Manipur, which has been witnessing a renewed surge in violence. Since May 2023, nearly 260 people have lost their lives in clashes linked to the ongoing ethnic conflict between Meitei and Kuki-Zo groups.

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Since the violence erupted in May 2023, Manipur has witnessed one of India’s longest-running internet shutdowns, with mobile services repeatedly suspended and restored to contain unrest. Most recently, the state lifted a ban across five Valley districts on April 18, 2026, after 11 days, though tensions remain high.

The unrest, which has persisted into 2026, stems from long-standing disputes over land rights, governance, and identity. Tensions escalated further after a High Court directive asked the state government to consider granting Scheduled Tribe status to the majority Meitei community, a move that triggered widespread protests and deepened divisions between the communities.