At least four people were killed on April 7 when violence resumed in Manipur: two children died in a bomb blast in Bishnupur and two others were shot after police fired to control a crowd that stormed a security camp. The unrest stems from ethnic clashes between the mostly Hindu Meitei and mainly Christian Kuki communities that began in May 2023 over jobs and economic benefits. About 260 people have died and more than 60,000 have been displaced; authorities have imposed a curfew in Imphal and suspended internet services for five days.
Four Killed As Violence Rekindles In India’s Manipur; Two Children Among Dead
Smoke rises after a munition was detonated by a bomb squad in Bishnupur district, Manipur, India, April 7, 2026. REUTERS/Stringer
GUWAHATI, India — At least four people were killed on April 7 as violence flared again in the northeastern state of Manipur, officials said. Two children from the predominantly Hindu Meitei community died when a bomb detonated inside a house in Bishnupur district, and later two people were shot after police fired to disperse a crowd that had stormed a security forces camp.
Smoke rises from burnt vehicles heading towards Churachandpur district following an attack in Bishnupur district, Manipur, India, April 7, 2026. REUTERS/Stringer
The state's interior minister, Govindas Konthoujam, said police opened fire after a group breached a camp belonging to security forces. Officials and the chief minister's office identified the two children as Meitei; leaders of the Meitei community alleged the bombing was carried out by Kuki militants, an accusation that Kuki groups have denied.
People gather around a weapon on the ground, which was defused by a bomb disposal squad, in Bishnupur district, Manipur, India, April 7, 2026. REUTERS/Stringer
Background
Clashes first erupted in May 2023 between the dominant, mostly Hindu Meitei community and the mainly Christian Kuki tribes over disputes about economic benefits and job quotas. The violence since then has killed about 260 people and displaced more than 60,000 residents.
Official Response
Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh said authorities had not yet identified the perpetrators and called the bombing the "handiwork of individuals or groups with an interest in disturbing the prevailing peace." Security measures include a curfew in the regional capital Imphal and surrounding areas and a suspension of internet services for five days.
Reporting by Tora Agarwala; writing by Shilpa Jamkhandikar; edited by Barbara Lewis.
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