Manipur Bomb Blast: Two Children Killed, Curfew in 4 Valley Districts, NIA Probe Ordered
A projectile (suspected mortar shell or rocket) fired by suspected Kuki militants struck a civilian house in Tronglaobi Awang Leikai village, Bishnupur district, Manipur at approximately 1:00–1:05 AM on April 7, 2026
A 5-year-old boy and his 6-month-old sister were killed; their mother sustained serious injuries
The Manipur government handed over the investigation to the National Investigation Agency (NIA)
Indefinite curfew was imposed in 4 valley districts: Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Kakching, and Bishnupur
Mobile internet and data services were suspended for 3 days in 5 valley districts
Violent protests erupted: a mob stormed a CRPF camp at Tronglaobi, set vehicles on fire; security forces opened fire killing 2 protesters and injuring at least 26
The attack is the latest incident in the ongoing Meitei-Kuki ethnic conflict that began in May 2023
National Investigation Agency (NIA): Mandate and Powers
The National Investigation Agency was established under the National Investigation Agency Act, 2008, after the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, to investigate terror-related offences at the national level. The NIA can take suo motu cognisance of offences across state borders and has concurrent jurisdiction with state police.
Handing over the Bishnupur blast to the NIA signals that the Manipur government and Centre view the attack as having an organised militant character, warranting national-level investigation under the terrorism/armed insurrection framework.
Manipur Ethnic Conflict: Background and Causes
Ethnic violence erupted in Manipur on May 3, 2023 between the Meitei community (valley-dwelling, predominantly Hindu, ~53% of population) and the Kuki-Zo tribal communities (hill-dwelling, predominantly Christian, ~16% of population). As of late 2025, over 258 people have been killed and 60,000 displaced.
The Tronglaobi attack is the latest escalation at the geographic fault line (Bishnupur) that has been the site of repeated cross-community violence since May 2023.
Internal Security: Curfew Powers and Internet Shutdowns
Curfew is imposed under Section 144 CrPC (now Section 163 BNSS, 2023) which empowers Executive Magistrates to issue orders restricting movement and assembly to prevent obstruction, annoyance, injury, or disturbance. Internet shutdowns are ordered under the Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency or Public Safety) Rules, 2017, framed under the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885.
The curfew and internet shutdown in Bishnupur and valley districts exemplify the standard security toolkit applied in the Manipur conflict — enabling ground operations while limiting communication that could trigger further mob violence.
- Attack site: Tronglaobi Awang Leikai, Bishnupur district, Manipur
- Children killed: 5-year-old boy and 6-month-old girl; mother injured
- Attack time: approximately 1:00–1:05 AM, April 7, 2026
- Suspected perpetrators: Kuki militant groups
- Curfew: imposed in Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Kakching, Bishnupur
- Internet shutdown: 3 days in 5 valley districts
- Protest violence: 2 protesters killed, 26 injured when security forces fired on mob storming CRPF camp
- Investigation: handed over to NIA (National Investigation Agency)
- NIA Act: 2008; NIA created after 2008 Mumbai attacks
- Manipur conflict timeline: ongoing since May 3, 2023; 258+ killed, 60,000 displaced as of late 2025
- AFSPA in Manipur: in effect since 1958