Even as three alleged cadres of the United Kuki National Army were arrested in Churachandpur district on suspicion of involvement in the deadly Tronglaobi incident, the group has strongly denied any role, calling the allegations “baseless” and a misattribution in an already volatile situation.
The arrests come in the backdrop of fresh violence that rocked Manipur’s Imphal Valley on April 7, leaving four people dead—including two children—and over 26 injured. The most disturbing incident took place around 1 a.m. in Moirang Tronglaobi in Bishnupur district, where unidentified attackers hurled an explosive device at a residence. A five-year-old boy and a six-month-old infant were killed in the blast, while their mother sustained injuries. The Meitei-inhabited area lies close to the foothills of the Kuki-Zo-dominated Churachandpur district.
The attack triggered widespread outrage, with protests quickly spiralling into violence. A mob targeted a nearby camp of the Central Reserve Police Force located about 200 metres from the site. Security forces responded with firing, leaving several injured—two of whom later succumbed, taking the death toll to four.
Of the three individuals arrested, one has been identified as a former leading member of the the Hmar People’s Convention Democracy (HPC-D) who defected and joined the UNKA. However, the UNKA, in a detailed statement, has categorically denied any involvement in the attack, asserting that it neither condones nor engages in violence against civilians, particularly children.
The group maintained that its objective remains a political resolution within the framework of the Constitution of India and claimed it has been actively safeguarding buffer zones to prevent communal escalation. It further argued that its restraint, even amid provocation by what it described as an “unruly mob” crossing buffer zones toward a CRPF camp, demonstrates its non-involvement.
The UNKA also dismissed reports linking its members to the arrests as “false and irresponsible,” urging media and authorities to avoid premature conclusions that could deepen mistrust. It, however, acknowledged the role of the CRPF, praising the force for its “professionalism and composure” in defusing a potentially explosive situation.
Meanwhile, there are also suspicions in certain quarters regarding the possible involvement of Arambai Tenggolmembers, with some sources suggesting attempts to reignite tensions and complicate the law and order situation for the government.
Following the violence, a high-level review meeting was convened by Chief Minister Y. Khemchand Singh , who condemned the killings as a “barbaric act” and ordered extensive combing operations across both valley and hill areas. Security forces, including the state police, Assam Rifles, and the CRPF, have been deployed, with aerial surveillance also being used.
State Home Minister Konthoujam Govindas said the attack appeared to be the handiwork of elements seeking to disturb the fragile peace, adding that efforts are underway to identify and apprehend those responsible.
In response to the unrest, curfew has been imposed in four districts—Imphal East, Imphal West, Bishnupur, and Kakching—while internet services have been suspended for three days across five valley districts to prevent further escalation.
The violence also spilled into other parts of the valley, with protestors torching vehicles, damaging a temporary police outpost, and enforcing road blockades in several areas of Imphal, including Pangei, Khurai, and Langthabal.
Security forces remain heavily deployed across sensitive areas, and the situation continues to be tense, underlining the fragile and combustible nature of the law and order scenario in Manipur.
