Imphal: Fresh violence erupted in Manipur on Monday after two consecutive explosions in Bishnupur district injured two persons.
Following the explosions, angry locals engaged in heated exchanges with security forces who arrived at the spot, alleging security lapses despite the deployment of a large number of personnel in nearby and surrounding areas.
The blasts, suspected to have been caused by improvised explosive devices (IEDs), occurred near an abandoned house.
The injured persons, identified as Sanatomba Singh and Indubala Devi, suffered splinter injuries and are reported to be out of danger. Both were immediately rushed to Bishnupur District Hospital, where they are undergoing treatment.
According to police sources, the first explosion occurred early in the morning at the abandoned house of one Salam Mani Singh (70) at Ngaukon Ward Nos. 7/8 under Saiton Gram Panchayat, within the jurisdiction of Phougakchao Ikhai Police Station in Bishnupur district.
The house has remained abandoned since ethnic violence broke out in the state in May 2023, with its owner and his family currently living at a relief camp.
The second explosion occurred nearly 200 metres away around 8.45 am, when locals gathered after getting news of the earlier blast, police said.
The locals also dismantled a makeshift security bunker in the vicinity. Police have launched an investigation into the incidents.
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Security has been intensified in and around the affected area, with preventive measures put in place to avert further incidents. The explosions occurred just three days after security forces neutralised 27 locally made bombs at a secure site near Mongham village in Imphal East district on January 2.
