Imphal, Jan 6: Two BJP legislators in Manipur on January 6 strongly denounced a series of bomb explosions in Bishnupur district that left two civilians, including a woman, injured, warning that the attacks appeared to be a calculated attempt to disrupt ongoing efforts to restore peace and stability in the state.
BJP MLA Khongbantabam Ibomcha Singh described the blasts as deeply disturbing and said they were carried out at a sensitive time when multiple stakeholders are working towards reconciliation in violence-hit Manipur. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the 51st foundation day celebrations of the Manipur Press Club, where he was present as a guest of honour, Ibomcha said the incidents were clearly aimed at prolonging unrest and undermining the peace-building process.
He pointed out that the Government of India, the state administration under President’s Rule, civil society organisations and the BJP’s state unit are collectively making sustained efforts to bring normalcy back to Manipur. Against this backdrop, he said, the explosions at Saiton were “highly condemnable” and unfortunate. Ibomcha also alleged that elements opposed to peace exist in both the hill and valley areas and continue to create disturbances despite signs that stability is gradually returning.
The MLA said BJP legislators had discussed the incident internally but decided to refrain from drawing conclusions until a detailed investigation establishes the facts. Describing the sequence of events as confusing, he noted that two bombs exploded early in the morning at an abandoned house, followed by another blast later in the evening that injured civilians, underscoring the need for a thorough probe.
Ibomcha further highlighted that the Centre has initiated dialogue with representatives of all communities and is keen on restoring a popularly elected government in Manipur. He cautioned that calls to dissolve the Assembly could delay elections indefinitely and stressed that a peaceful environment is essential for the return of an elected dispensation.
Separately, BJP MLA Yumnam Khemchand Singh also condemned the explosion at Saiton Nganukon village under the Kumbi Assembly constituency. In a statement, Khemchand said the injured victims are undergoing treatment at Jawaharlal Nehru Hospital in Imphal and expressed hope for their speedy recovery. He said the incident once again exposed the fragile security situation prevailing in the state.
Khemchand noted that the blast occurred at a time when civil society groups are actively working to rebuild trust and restore peace, and recalled a recent firing incident at Torbung, warning that repeated acts of violence could derail reconciliation efforts. He questioned the timing of the explosion, pointing out that it coincided with attempts by the Centre and the President’s Rule administration to stabilise the situation and facilitate the safe return of internally displaced persons from both communities.
Drawing attention to the wider regional context, Khemchand cautioned that ongoing conflicts in neighbouring Myanmar and Bangladesh could have spillover effects in the Northeast. He said the fresh violence at such a crucial juncture raised suspicions of possible external forces seeking to exploit Manipur’s instability, and urged the Centre to ensure a comprehensive investigation and take firm action against those responsible.
According to officials, multiple bomb explosions were reported at Saiton Nganukon in Bishnupur district on Sunday. Two bombs detonated in quick succession at an abandoned house in Nganukon Ward No. 8 around 5.41 am. When local residents gathered near the site, additional explosions occurred, injuring two civilians. Security forces immediately rushed to the area and launched search and sanitisation operations to rule out the presence of any more explosive devices.
