Manipur government transfers the Bishnupur blast case investigation to NIA

Guwahati: The Manipur government has forwarded the investigation of two consecutive explosions in Bishnupur district, to the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

A police official said that the case relating to the two consecutive explosions on Monday, triggered by locally made Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), has been forwarded to the NIA for an in-depth investigation.

He said that the senior police officers, including an Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the Superintendent of Police of Bishnupur district, visited the blast sites to take stock of the situation.


IED blast took place an abandoned house in Ngaukon village under the Phougakchao Ikhai police station area. The family of the house are currently living in a relief camp at Keibul Lamjao since ethnic violence broke out in Manipur in May 2023. Two people were injured.

An irate mob also damaged a makeshift security bunker in the vicinity, accusing security forces of failing to prevent the blasts and arrest those responsible.

BJP legislator and former Rural Development minister, Yumnam Khemchand Singh said that foreign agencies may try to take advantage of the ongoing Meitei-Kuki conflict to foment trouble in Manipur.

Condemning incident he said the blast occurred at a time when different civil society organisations are trying hard for the return of peace in the state.

“The fresh violence at this critical juncture made me suspect that foreign agencies / external hand could be trying to take advantage of the ongoing conflict in Manipur to foment trouble,” the BJP MLA said . He urged the Central Government to take the matter seriously and investigate the case.

Khemchand said that ongoing civil war and conflicts in neighbouring Myanmar and Bangladesh are affecting the northeast region. “I wondered why such incident occurred at a time when the Centre and the President’s Rule administration are working hard to bring peace and normalcy in the state,” he added. This is also a time when internally displaced persons (IDPs) belonging to both communities are trying to return to their homes.

Speaking at the 51st Foundation Day celebration of the Manipur Press Club in Imphal Khemchand said that blast and firing took place whenever there is semblance of peace in the state. He said that peace and dialogue are the only way forward to resolve the present conflict.

He lauded the role of Assam Rifles in saving many innocent lives during the conflict. He said that many people came to him during the start of the violence in 2023 and demanded the removal of Assam Rifles saying the para-military force is biased. “I told them that Kwatha Meitei village near Indo-Myanmar border was attacked by militants twice, but it was Assam Rifles, which repulsed the attack. People at Dolaithabi in Imphal East district had demanded Assam Rifles troops to be deployed in their area. Can we say Assam Rifles are bad? Assam Rifles have saved many lives,” Khemchand said.

He said that there could be instances where people may complain against Assam Rifles for not taking action during the conflict. “But you cannot blame Assam Rifles as a whole,” he commented.