Jirighat: Two students of Jirighat Sunrise School in the Lakhipur Assembly constituency were killed on Wednesday when an oil tanker coming from Manipur ran over them on NH-37 along the Silchar–Imphal route. The accident took place right in front of the school, moments after the children were released for the day.

Police said the names of the victims could not be confirmed immediately, though one child’s father is known as Bulu and the other’s as Sanachar. Both studied in the same class. According to witnesses, one of the mothers was escorting the two children when the tanker approached from behind and crushed them. They died on the spot.

News of the deaths triggered immediate outrage. Local residents blocked the highway, and attempts at vandalism and arson followed. Within minutes, the area was gripped by tension and traffic came to a complete halt. Stone-pelting began even before police teams could reach the location.

Authorities are working to calm the situation and restore movement on the route, which remains heavily congested. An investigation into the incident is underway.