The Aryavarth Express Imphal, April 7: Authorities in Manipur have suspended internet services for three days in five districts—Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Kakching, and Bishnupur—starting from 2:00 PM on Tuesday, following a violent incident that has heightened tensions in the state.
The suspension was ordered amid concerns that anti-social elements could misuse social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and X to spread misinformation, hate speech, and provocative content, potentially worsening the law and order situation.
The move comes after a tragic attack in the Tronglaobi Awang Leikai area, where suspected militants allegedly stormed a residence around 1:00 AM and killed two minor siblings—a five-year-old boy and his five-month-old sister—while they were asleep. Their mother was injured in the attack and is currently undergoing treatment.
The incident triggered widespread outrage among local residents. Protesters reportedly set fire to at least three trucks and blocked key stretches of the Imphal-Tidim Road, disrupting traffic and escalating tensions in the region.
Adding to security concerns, an unexploded rocket launcher was recovered near the site of the attack. Bomb disposal teams were immediately deployed and are working to safely defuse the device.
Condemning the incident, local MLA Thongam Shanti Singh described the killings as a “heinous act of violence” and termed it an act of terrorism. He expressed deep condolences to the bereaved family and said such inhuman acts have no place in society.
Former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh also expressed grief over the incident, calling it a horrific act against innocent civilians, especially children. He stressed the need for stronger ground-level vigilance and timely intervention, urging authorities to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice and that civilian safety is reinforced.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as efforts are underway to restore calm in the affected areas.
