Four killed as fresh violence erupts in India's Manipur

At least four people were killed, including two in police firing, after fresh violence broke out in Manipur on Tuesday, ending months of relative calm in the conflict-hit northeastern state.

The latest unrest was triggered by the deaths of two children – a four-year-old boy and his newborn sister – who were killed in their sleep when a rocket-like projectile struck their home in Bishnupur district early in the day. Their mother was critically injured in the attack, Indian media reported, citing officials.

The children belonged to the Meitei community, with some members alleging the attack was carried out by Kuki militants. However, Kuki groups denied the accusations, reports Reuters.

The incident sparked widespread protests in Bishnupur, with demonstrators attempting to storm a post of the Central Reserve Police Force, blaming security forces for failing to prevent the attack.

Later on Tuesday, police opened fire to control a crowd that had stormed a security forces camp, killing two people, state Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam said.

At least three others were injured in the firing, according to officials.

Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh said the perpetrators had not yet been identified, describing the bombing as the "handiwork of individuals or groups with an interest in disturbing the prevailing peace."

He added that security operations were underway to bring those responsible to justice.

Authorities imposed an indefinite curfew in several districts, including Imphal East, Imphal West, Bishnupur and Kakching, while internet and mobile data services were suspended in parts of the state to prevent further escalation.

Clashes in Manipur first broke out in May 2023 between the predominantly Hindu Meitei community and mainly Christian Kuki-Zomi tribes over issues including economic benefits and job quotas.

Since then, the violence has left around 260 people dead and displaced more than 60,000 others.