Guwahati, Apr 15: Tension flared once again in Manipur’s Bishnupur district on Tuesday after fresh incidents of mob violence along Tiddim Road left at least 18 people injured and brought normal life to a standstill in several areas.
According to reports, a vehicle plying along the route was intercepted by an agitated mob that suspected its occupants of having links with Kuki militant groups. The situation quickly spiralled, with the mob setting the vehicle on fire. Clashes broke out soon after, leading to multiple injuries.
The unrest triggered widespread protests across the district, with demonstrators enforcing road blockades at key points. Vehicular movement was severely disrupted, particularly along the crucial Bishnupur–Churachandpur route and highways connecting to Imphal International Airport, leaving commuters stranded and affecting the movement of essential supplies.
Officials said the fresh violence is part of the continuing fallout of the April 7 tragedy in Tronglaobi village, where two minor siblings—a five-year-old boy and a six-month-old infant—were killed after a bomb struck their home while they were asleep. The incident had sparked widespread outrage across the state.
In the days following the attack, tensions escalated further as mobs reportedly attempted to storm a CRPF camp in Tronglaobi. Security forces opened fire to disperse the crowd, resulting in the death of at least three protesters and injuries to several others.
Amid the deteriorating law and order situation, the Manipur government has extended the suspension of internet and mobile data services in five districts—Bishnupur, Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal and Kakching—to curb the spread of misinformation and prevent further mobilisation.
Security forces remain on high alert, with additional deployment in sensitive areas, as authorities continue to monitor the situation closely.
