Imphal: Manipur Home Minister K Govindas Konthoujam on Wednesday, April 15, said that five suspects have been arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in relation to the Bishnupur mortar blast, which resulted in the deaths of two children and left their mother injured.
Speaking to reporters at the New Secretariat in Mantripukhri, the Minister stated that those arrested are members of the United Kuki National Liberation Army (UKNLA), a banned armed outfit that is not part of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) pact with the Centre.
He said the state government is maintaining close coordination with the NIA and confirmed that all five accused belong to the Kuki community. He added that questioning of the suspects is currently in progress.
The arrests are linked to the mortar attack that took place on April 7 in Bishnupur district, which sparked strong public reaction after the deaths of two minors, including a five-year-old boy and a five-month-old infant.
Responding to another incident involving a clash between locals and security personnel in Thinungei on Tuesday, Konthoujam explained that the situation arose due to confusion.
He said a group of Assam Rifles personnel, dressed in plain clothes, was heading towards Kwakta to recover illegal drugs and weapons based on information obtained from a drug trafficker previously detained at Imphal Airport.
According to the Minister, residents in Thinungei stopped the team, suspecting them of carrying illegal arms. The misunderstanding quickly escalated, resulting in physical confrontation and injuries on both sides.
During the clash, eight firearms were reportedly taken from the Assam Rifles personnel. However, Konthoujam said all the weapons have since been retrieved.
He added that the government is aware of public concerns and appealed to people to cooperate with the authorities.
On Chief Minister N Biren Singh’s outreach efforts in the hill districts, the Minister said the response from the Kuki community has been encouraging, with multiple development projects currently underway.
Several legislators from Bishnupur, along with top officials, were present during the media interaction.
At the same time, protests demanding justice for the deceased children are ongoing in multiple valley districts, keeping the situation tense.