Manipur steps up security after Bishnupur blast killed two toddlers; three UKNA suspects arrested
Guwahati: Security has been stepped up across sensitive areas in Manipur following a fatal blast in Bishnupur district, even as authorities said investigations are under way to establish the involvement of recently arrested suspects.
Addressing a press conference at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat, BJP Manipur Pradesh spokesperson Kh. Ibomcha said coordinated efforts are in progress to identify and apprehend those responsible for the April 7 attack in Tronglaobi that killed two toddlers and injured their mother.
He said the government has initiated high-level reviews and large-scale joint operations involving state and central security forces in response to the incident. During a combing operation in Churachandpur district, three suspected members of the United Kuki National Army (UKNA) were arrested, and an AK-47 rifle and a pistol were recovered.
However, Ibomcha said it would be premature to link the arrested individuals directly to the attack. “Only after a proper investigation will it be clear whether they were involved. The police will provide further details on the arrests,” he said.
He acknowledged that the incident has disrupted a period of relative calm and evoked strong public reaction, urging people to remain calm and cooperate with authorities. “The government understands public sentiment following the incident and requests restraint as efforts continue to bring those responsible to justice,” he said.
Ibomcha said Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh chaired a Combined Headquarters Security (Unified Command) meeting at the Secretariat to review the law and order situation. The meeting was attended by senior officials, including the Home Minister, Security Adviser, Chief Secretary, Director General of Police, 3 Corps Commander, and representatives of the Army, Assam Rifles, BSF, CRPF, ITBP, SSB and intelligence agencies.
He added that the government has held consultations with multiple stakeholders, including MLAs, officials and security personnel. A four-hour meeting was also conducted with representatives of protesting groups on April 7 to discuss the government’s response and record grievances and suggestions. An all-party meeting was subsequently convened.
The United Kuki National Army is an armed group active in Churachandpur district and areas along the Indo–Myanmar border.