Imphal, April 7 (NationPress) On Tuesday, Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh of Manipur revealed that the investigation into the tragic bomb blast in Bishnupur district, which resulted in the deaths of two children, will be transferred to the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

In the meantime, a police spokesperson reported that two protesters lost their lives and three others were injured during gunfire after a crowd attempted to breach a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) facility in Bishnupur.

Strongly denouncing the incident at Tronglaobi Awang Leikai, the Chief Minister stated that the act seemed to be orchestrated by individuals or groups with ulterior motives aimed at destabilizing the already tenuous peace in the region.

“Following thorough discussions with Home Minister Konthoujam Govindas Singh and other legislators, we have resolved to pass the case to the NIA,” Khemchand Singh informed the press from his official residence.

He noted that the suspects remain unidentified and that extensive combing operations are currently in progress.

Combined forces, including the state Police, Assam Rifles, and CRPF, have been mobilized throughout the vicinity. The Chief Minister also mentioned that helicopters are being utilized to locate those accountable, expressing optimism that the offenders will be captured soon. He added that a high-level security review meeting had occurred earlier that day with senior officials from the Army, Assam Rifles, state police, and CRPF. Directives were given to enhance operations and ensure prompt action.

In a plea for tranquility, the Chief Minister urged citizens to avoid being swayed by emotions and to assist security forces in restoring order.

A significant number of individuals, including women, organized a large protest denouncing the killings of two children in a bomb attack at Tronglaobi Awang Leikai village. According to officials, the crowd surged toward the CRPF camp near Gelmol, which is only a few hundred meters from the explosion site, setting vehicles ablaze and damaging property.

The bomb explosion at Tronglaobi Awang Leikai was reportedly executed by suspected Kuki militants.

The incident transpired around 1 a.m. when a powerful explosive device, allegedly deployed by suspected Kuki militants, struck a residence, instantly killing a five-year-old boy and his five-month-old sister, while their mother was injured. The victims were reportedly asleep at the time, and the blast caused considerable damage to the household.

Both the Chief Minister and Home Minister visited the injured family at a private hospital in Imphal.

During the press conference, Home Minister Govindas Singh labeled the perpetrators as “peace disruptors” who seek to undermine stability whenever conditions begin to improve.

He stated that during the high-level security meeting led by the Chief Minister, security forces were ordered to initiate an intensive combing operation to capture those accountable for the explosion, either dead or alive.

The Home Minister also confirmed that state commandos have been redeployed in hilly regions after a significant hiatus, utilizing bulletproof vehicles to bolster ongoing operations.

He mentioned that five protesters sustained gunshot wounds during the protest as demonstrators tried to storm the CRPF camp on Tuesday morning. Of those injured, two later succumbed to their wounds, while several others suffered minor injuries.

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister expressed condolences regarding the death of another minor girl residing in the Akampat relief camp in Imphal East district. He announced ex gratia support and pledged all possible assistance to the victim’s family while extending his sympathy to the bereaved.

The eight-year-old girl, who had been missing since Sunday, was discovered deceased beneath the Singjamei bridge along the Imphal River on Monday, according to police reports.

A suspect linked to this case was apprehended on Monday.

To prevent further escalation of violence following the bomb attack in Tronglaobi Awang Leikai village, the Manipur government announced on Tuesday a suspension of internet and mobile data services, including broadband, for a period of three days across five districts in the Imphal valley. The affected districts are Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Kakching, and Bishnupur.

Officials indicated that the suspension was essential to mitigate the spread of misinformation and maintain law and order. Additionally, an indefinite curfew has been enacted in Imphal East, Imphal West, Bishnupur, and Kakching in response to widespread protests regarding the deaths of the two children. District Magistrates from Imphal West, Imphal East, Bishnupur, and Kakching have issued separate orders enforcing the curfew in their respective areas starting Tuesday.