NIA to probe Bishnupur blast that injured two; security tightened in Manipur districts following the explosion.
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IMPHAL — Following a blast in Manipur’s Bishnupur district on January 5, in which two persons were injured, the case has been forwarded to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) “for further investigation”, according to the police.
The two persons injured in the incident have been identified as S Sanatombi (52) of Saiton Makha Leikai and N Indubala (37) of Saiton Heiyaikon Maning Leikai.
The incident took place about 200 metres away from an abandoned house located in the Saiton–Nganukon area under Phougakchao police station in Bishnupur district around 8.30 am.
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Prior to this, another blast was also reported at the said abandoned house of Salam Mani Singh (70) of Ngaukon Ward No. 7/8 under Phougakchao Ikhai Police Station around 5.45 am. However, no casualty was reported. The house has been abandoned since May 3, 2023, as the owner is presently taking shelter at a relief camp.
Senior police officers of the rank of Inspector General of Police (IGP) and Superintendent of Police, Bishnupur district, visited the blast sites to take stock of the situation. Combing and search operations are being carried out in the adjoining areas.
“Security has been strengthened to prevent any further escalation of violence. Investigation and operational efforts are underway to identify and apprehend those responsible for the blasts,” Manipur Police said in a press note.
After the explosions, irate locals engaged in heated exchanges with security forces deployed there, alleging security lapses despite the presence of a large number of personnel deployed in surrounding locations. They also dismantled a makeshift security bunker nearby.
Meanwhile, condemning the incident and also protesting the government's attitude, the Indigenous People's Organisation Manipur and eight other bodies announced that they would hold sit-in protests across the different localities.
The Thadou Community International (TCI), the Coordination Committee on Manipur Integrity and others condemned the incident. In a statement, TCI said, “We urge the Government of India to act decisively with an iron hand under President's Rule in the Manipur state government to neutralise this threat without delay.”
The explosions on January 5 came after security forces recovered arms and ammunition from different parts of the state, including one rocket with approximately 100 kilograms of explosives, a sniper rifle with a telescopic daylight scope, two country-made SBBLs, one 9mm pistol with one magazine, five 7.62 mm live rounds, ten 12 bore live cartridges and one IED weighing approximately 3 kgs from Lanchingmanbi, Chingphei village under Henglep Police Station in Churachandpur district on January 3.