UKHRUL: Fresh violence was reported from Manipur on Monday after a series of explosions in Bishnupur district left two people injured, triggering protests and heated exchanges between locals and security forces.
The blasts, suspected to have been caused by improvised explosive devices (IEDs), occurred near an abandoned house in Saiton village under the jurisdiction of Phougakchao Ikhai police station.
According to police sources, the first explosion took place between 5 am and 6 am inside an abandoned house belonging to 70-year-old Salam Mani Singh, a Meitei resident who has been living in a relief camp since ethnic violence erupted in the state in May 2023, NDTV reported.
Two subsequent explosions occurred shortly after, including one around 200 metres from the house, injuring two civilians identified as Soibam Sanatomba Singh (52) and Nongthombam Indubala Devi (37). Both sustained splinter injuries and were rushed to Bishnupur District Hospital, where they are undergoing treatment and reported to be out of danger.
Several civil society and student organisations—including the Indigenous People Organisation Manipur (IPOM), the All Manipur Students’ Union (AMSU), and Yelhoumee Kanba Lup along with other like-minded groups, had jointly called for a 24-hour total shutdown across Manipur from midnight, in protest against the attack but later called off the shutdown.
Following the explosions, residents accused security forces of failing to prevent the attacks despite heavy deployment in the area. Villagers from the Meitei community alleged that members of Kuki tribes planted the IEDs and staged protests demanding immediate action.
Meanwhile, the Kuki Zo Council, which is currently engaged in talks with the government, condemned the attack and called on authorities and security forces to ensure adequate security in the area. The council’s statement comes amid renewed tension along the Bishnupur–Churachandpur border, where several displaced Meitei families have recently returned.
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More than 100 Meitei families had moved back to the area in recent weeks, officials said. The situation remains sensitive, particularly after an incident on December 16, when unidentified persons allegedly opened fire at returning families in the Torbung area.
Saiton village, located about 55 km from Imphal along the Bishnupur–Churachandpur inter-district border, has remained tense since the incident. Manipur continues to be under President’s Rule, which was imposed in February 2025 amid the ongoing ethnic unrest.
Disclaimer: All information in this article is drawn from publicly available sources and/or insights provided by the experts consulted.