NIA makes second arrest in the improvised explosive device in Manipur

Guwahati: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested Thangmang Haokip of Churachandpur, Manipur, in the case relating to the improvised explosive device attack at a residential house in Tronglaobi Awang Leikai, Moirang, Bishnupur District, Manipur, on 7th April 2026, in which two minor children died and another person was injured.

NIA stated that he is the second accused to be arrested in the case, after S. Palal Thadou Kuki, arrested on 12th August 2026,who is presently in judicial custody.

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The case (RC-04/2026/NIA/IMP) was initially registered at Moirang Police Station after unknown militants launched an explosive device from a hillside at Tronglaobi Awang Leikai, striking the wall of a residential house and causing serious injuries to three family members,two of whom, both minor children, later succumbed. An unexploded improvised RPG was also recovered near the site.

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NIA re-registered the case on 23rd April 2026 under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Explosive Substances Act and the UA(P) Act, and the involvement of Thangmang Haokip subsequently surfaced during the investigation. Thangmang Haokip was arrested by NIA on 25th September 2026 and produced before the Special NIA Court-ll, Imphal, which remanded him to 12 days' police custody.

Further investigation is underway to identify and apprehend other persons involved in the conspiracy and to ascertain the larger network behind the attack.