Statewide shutdown grips Manipur in India after bomb attack kills children

Manipur witnessed continued unrest on Tuesday as protests intensified in Keishamthong over the April 7 bomb attack, which claimed the lives of two young siblings. Demonstrators are demanding swift justice and stronger security action following the incident that has deeply shaken the state.

The protest movement has expanded across several districts, contributing to a five-day shutdown that has disrupted normal life. Markets remain closed and transport services have largely stopped, reflecting the scale of the ongoing agitation. Protesters have also directed criticism at the state leadership while accusing militant groups of carrying out the attack.

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The victims, a five-year-old boy and his five-month-old sister, were reportedly killed when an explosive device was thrown into their home while they were asleep. Their mother was also injured in the incident. Civil society groups, including Meira Paibi organisations, have intensified their demands for arrests, setting deadlines for action.

Security forces have been deployed in larger numbers across sensitive areas, including Rapid Action Force units, after tensions escalated in multiple locations. Clashes have been reported during demonstrations, with authorities using tear gas and crowd-control measures in some instances after protesters allegedly responded with stone pelting and slingshots.

Police officials have also raised concerns about elements within protest gatherings allegedly resorting to violence, including the use of crude weapons and explosives, complicating efforts to manage public demonstrations.