Imphal, Jan 6: The investigation into the twin explosions that shook Manipur’s Bishnupur district on January 5 has been handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA), officials confirmed on January 6, as authorities moved to intensify efforts to identify those behind the attack.
The blasts occurred at Ngaukon village under the Phougakchao police station area and left two people injured. According to officials, the first explosion, suspected to have been triggered by an improvised explosive device (IED), took place at around 5.45 am at an abandoned house. A second blast followed nearly three hours later, at around 8.45 am, roughly 200 metres from the initial site, when local residents had gathered after hearing about the earlier explosion.
Manipur Police, confirming the transfer of the case, said the matter has now been forwarded to the NIA for a detailed investigation. Security forces have launched extensive combing and search operations in nearby areas, while additional security measures have been put in place to prevent further incidents. Police said efforts are underway to trace and arrest those responsible for planting the explosives.
Officials noted that the house where the first blast occurred has remained abandoned since ethnic violence broke out in Manipur in May 2023, with the owner and family currently living in a relief camp. The incident has added to the already fragile security situation in the state, which has seen prolonged unrest due to clashes between Meitei and Kuki communities.
Since the violence began nearly two years ago, more than 260 people have lost their lives and thousands have been displaced across Manipur. The latest blasts have triggered fresh outrage, prompting organisations such as the Indigenous People Organisation and the All Manipur Students’ Union to call for a 24-hour statewide shutdown beginning at midnight on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Meitei civil body Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) has demanded an immediate, transparent and time-bound investigation.
Manipur has been under President’s Rule since February 2025, following the resignation of Chief Minister N Biren Singh amid growing criticism over the handling of the ethnic crisis. Authorities said maintaining law and order remains a priority as investigations continue.
