Manipur Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam urged the public to avoid spreading misinformation after a miscommunication over plain-clothed security personnel escorting a drug peddler in Bishnupur sparked mob violence, injuring 18 people and prompting a curfew reimposition.
IMPHAL – Manipur Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam on Wednesday appealed for calm and urged the public to refrain from spreading misinformation following fresh violence in Bishnupur district that left at least 18 people injured and forced authorities to reimpose curfew.
Addressing a press conference at the Minister's Block, New Secretariat, Mantripukhri, Govindas said the unrest stemmed from a miscommunication involving plain-clothed security personnel who were escorting an arrested drug peddler through the area. The conference was also attended by MLAs Thongam Basanta (Nambol), Tongbram Robindro (Thanga), and Irengbam Nalini Devi (Oinam).
According to the Home Minister, a joint team of CISF, Assam Rifles, and state forces had earlier arrested a drug peddler identified as Sabhir Ahmad at Tulihal Airport at around 10:30 a.m. During interrogation, Ahmad reportedly disclosed the location of a hidden cache of drugs and weapons in the Kwakta area of Bishnupur. Assam Rifles personnel in plain clothes were escorting him to the site when local women engaged in vehicle frisking stopped the team. A miscommunication arose, with claims circulating that members of a particular tribe were inside the vehicle, triggering confusion, suspicion, and eventually mob violence. Two vehicles were set on fire, and several persons were injured in the ensuing chaos.
Security forces, including Assam Rifles and commandos, conducted rescue operations, and local volunteers also assisted in rescuing those personnel. State and central forces, along with the army, have since been deployed in the area, with combing operations ongoing.
The incident occurred against a volatile backdrop. The protests trace back to April 7, when a projectile struck the residence of a BSF personnel in the Tronglaobi Awang Leikai area of Bishnupur district, critically injuring his wife and two children. The two children — five-year-old Tomthin Oinam and his five-month-old sister Leisana Oinam — died during treatment. The killings triggered widespread protests across Bishnupur, with demonstrators attempting to storm a CRPF post and mobs setting ablaze vehicles on public roads. Security personnel opened fire in the ensuing confrontation, killing three protesters and injuring 30 others.
Chief Minister Khemchand Singh had condemned the Tronglaobi attack and announced the case would be handed over to the National Investigation Agency, with security forces directed to hunt down the perpetrators. Authorities also imposed a temporary internet suspension across five valley districts to curb misinformation.
On Tuesday, April 14, the district administration reimposed full curfew in Bishnupur from 5 p.m. after the fresh mob violence near Thinungei. Four persons were arrested on charges of arson, unlawful assembly, and obstruction of duty, and a flag march was conducted to restore order.
Govindas said authorities are working to identify and take action against those responsible at the earliest. He added that a meeting with the Chief Minister is being planned to address the situation, and that the MLAs of Moirang and Kumbi constituencies have already been informed of necessary steps being taken.
Tronglaobi, located at the periphery of Bishnupur near the Churachandpur district border, has frequently witnessed violence since ethnic tensions broke out in Manipur on May 3, 2023. The current escalation is the first major flare-up since the formation of the new government under Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh in February this year.
