IMPHAL – Fresh violence gripped Manipur’s Bishnupur district on Monday morning as two consecutive IED explosions left two civilians injured and sparked widespread public outrage. The incident, which occurred in Ngaukon village under the Phougakchao police station area, has led to a statewide 24-hour shutdown call and a formal handover of the probe to the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
The first blast occurred around 5:45 AM at an abandoned house belonging to Salam Mani Singh. The residence had been unoccupied since May 2023, with the owner and his family currently living in a relief camp due to the ongoing ethnic conflict.
Nearly three hours later, at 8:45 AM, a second explosion took place approximately 200 metres away. This second blast occurred as local residents had gathered near the site of the first explosion to assess the damage.
The Victims: Two individuals sustained splinter injuries to their legs during the second blast:
- Soibam Sanatomba Singh (52), a retired CRPF personnel.
- Nongthombam Indubala Devi (37).
Both were rushed to a government hospital and are reported to be out of danger.
Public Anger and Security Lapses
The explosions triggered immediate fury among locals, who accused security forces of negligence. Despite a heavy presence of personnel in the vicinity, residents alleged a significant lapse in preventing the IED placements. In a show of defiance, an irate mob dismantled a makeshift security bunker located near the blast site.
Political and Civil Society Reaction
The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) issued a stinging condemnation, labeling the incident a “deliberate act of terror” and a violation of constitutional guarantees.
“The targeting of a civilian household under the cover of darkness reflects a dangerous and recurring pattern of impunity enjoyed by armed narco-terrorist perpetrators,” COCOMI stated, holding the state administration squarely responsible for failing to protect civilian lives.
The BJP and local MLA Premchandra Singh also condemned the attack, with the party reaffirming its commitment to the rule of law and demanding the immediate arrest of the perpetrators.
Statewide Shutdown and NIA Probe
In response to the violence, several organizations including the Indigenous People Organisation and the All Manipur Students’ Union have called for a 24-hour statewide shutdown starting at midnight on Wednesday, January 7.
Recognizing the gravity of the incident, the Manipur government has officially transferred the investigation to the NIA. Combing operations are currently underway in Bishnupur as security forces attempt to track down those responsible for the IEDs
Leave a comment