Five suspects in Tronglaobi killings netted: Govindas
Source: The Sangai Express / D1PR
Imphal, April 15 2026:
Appealing to the public to refrain from spreading misinformation following the violent protests in Bishnupur, Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam has said that five suspects have been arrested regarding the bomb attack at Tronglaobi.
Addressing a press conference at the Minister's Block, New Secretariat, Mantripukhri today, he added that the case regarding the killing of three individuals in the CRPF firing has been handed over to the NIA.
The State Government is in continuous contact with the NIA, he said.
He, however, said there are elements that want the valley districts to remain in a state of unrest and as such they must be identified, while clarifying that the clashes between protesters and security forces in Bishnupur yesterday were triggered by unverified information and rumours.
Notably, prohibitory orders were imposed in the district after 10 people were injured and two vehicles were set ablaze in clashes in Thinungei and Ningthoukhong areas yesterday as locals protested the recent bomb attack that killed two kids.
Govindas provided an update on the tense situation that has developed in Bishnupur district since yesterday, stemming from an unfortunate incident.
The Minister said that a video went viral on social media in which a woman claimed that Kukis were present in a vehicle in Ningthoukhong.
The car was stopped at Thinungei area and attacked, he claimed.
He explained that a joint team of the CISF, Assam Rifles, and State forces apprehended a drug peddler, Sabhir Ahmad, at Tulihal Airport, Imphal around 10.30 am yesterday.
During interrogation, the drug peddler disclosed the presence of additional drugs and weapons at Kwakta, Bishnupur.
Subsequently, Assam Rifles personnel, in plain clothes, escorted him to the location.
However, a group of women who were frisking vehicles at Thinungei halted the team, leading to a miscommunication, he said, adding that the women mistakenly believed that a man from a particular tribe was inside the vehicle, which fuelled confusion and suspicion among the public.
This misunderstanding quickly escalated tensions, and the situation turned violent, he said.
The Home Minister said that protesters began attacking the security team, and two vehicles were set on fire.
Saying that security forces, including Assam Rifles and commandos, responded swiftly and conducted rescue operations, he added that some individuals were safely evacuated with the help of local volunteers.
He also said that the arms stolen from Assam Rifles personnel have been recovered.
Govindas said that State security forces, along with Central forces and the Army, have been deployed, and combing operations are underway to restore order.
He also mentioned that the incident involved armed individuals, raising serious concerns about public safety and law enforcements Authorities are working diligently to identify and take swift action against those responsible for inciting violence, the Minister said and urged the public to remain calm and avoid sharing unverified reports that may exacerbate the situation.
Govindas also informed that the MLAs of Moirang and Kumbi Constituencies have been alerted, and necessary steps are already in motion.
A meeting with the Chief Minister is being planned to address the ongoing crisis, he said.
The press conference was also attended by MLAs Thounaojam Basanta, Tongbram Robindro, and Irengbam Nalini Devi.
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