GUWAHATI: The Manipur government has handed over the investigation of Monday’s twin blasts to the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
An improvised explosive device (IED) went off at an abandoned house, followed by a second blast nearby. Two civilians sustained splinter injuries to their legs in the second explosion. The incidents occurred near the border of Bishnupur and Churachandpur districts.
“Senior police officers, including the Inspector General of Police and the Superintendent of Police of Bishnupur district, visited the blast sites to assess the situation. Combing and search operations are being conducted in the adjoining areas,” Manipur Police said.
The police added that security had been strengthened to prevent escalation of violence, and investigation and operational efforts are underway to identify and apprehend those responsible.
Meanwhile, BJP legislator and former minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh suggested that foreign agencies might be exploiting the Meitei-Kuki conflict to foment trouble. He noted that the blasts occurred at a time when civil society organisations were working to restore peace in the state.
“The fresh violence at this critical juncture raises suspicion that external forces could be trying to exploit the ongoing conflict in Manipur,” Singh said. He urged the central government to take the matter seriously and investigate, pointing out that the civil war and unrest in Myanmar and Bangladesh are affecting the Northeast.
“I wonder why such an incident occurred just as the Centre and the President’s Rule administration in Manipur are striving to bring peace and normalcy,” the legislator added.
Earlier, the Meitei group Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) and the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) condemned the blasts and demanded a fair probe.
“The targeting of a civilian household under the cover of darkness reflects a dangerous and recurring pattern of impunity enjoyed by armed narco-terrorist groups operating freely in the region,” COCOMI stated.
The KZC said, “The incidents occurred in and around the buffer zone area… KZC reiterates that the buffer zone must be strictly respected at all times.”