Imphal, Manipur: A series of blasts in Manipur's Bishnupur district on Monday, January 5, 2026, left two people injured and sparked widespread condemnation. The explosions, suspected to be the work of militants using improvised explosive devices (IEDs), occurred in Nganukon village, near the Phougakchao Ikhai police station. The incident has further heightened tensions in the already strife-torn region.
The initial explosion took place at approximately 5:45 a.m. at an abandoned house belonging to Salam Mani Singh, a 70-year-old resident currently living in a relief camp following the ethnic violence that erupted in May 2023. The house, located in the Saiton-Nganukhong area, was partially damaged in the blast. A second explosion occurred roughly 200 meters away around 8:45 a.m. as locals gathered to inspect the site of the first blast. This second explosion resulted in splinter injuries to two individuals: Nongthongbam Indubala Devi, 37, and Soibam Sanatomba Singh, 52. Both were admitted to Bishnupur district hospital and are reportedly in stable condition. A third explosion was also reported, contributing to the heightened sense of insecurity in the area.
Law enforcement officials, including forensic experts, promptly arrived at the scene to conduct investigations. A blast crater and splinter marks were found inside the house, confirming the use of an IED. Security has been tightened in the area to prevent further incidents.
The blasts have triggered strong reactions from local residents and civil society organizations. Irate locals confronted security forces, alleging lapses in surveillance despite the heavy presence of personnel in the area. Some locals dismantled a makeshift security bunker in protest. Several organizations, including the Indigenous People Organisation Manipur (IPOM) and the All Manipur Students' Union (AMSU), have called for a 24-hour statewide shutdown to protest the incident, starting midnight on Tuesday. The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) has also strongly condemned the blasts, describing them as a "deliberate act of terror against unarmed civilians" and demanding a swift and transparent investigation. The Kuki-Zo Council (KZC), an apex body of Kuki groups engaged in talks with the government, also condemned the attack and urged authorities to maintain peace.
The blasts come amidst ongoing tensions and efforts to restore peace following the ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities that began in May 2023. The violence has resulted in over 260 deaths and displaced more than 60,000 people. The state has been under President's Rule since February 2025.
