Security forces arrest three militants over fuel station blast in Manipur’s Bishnupur district

Guwahati: Security forces in Manipur have arrested three militants, including a cadre for their alleged involvement in a bomb explosion at a fuel station in Manipur’s Bishnupur district.

A police official said that the three militants belong to the Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL) and the People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK).

They were arrested from Imphal West and Kakching districts in the past 24 hours.



Of the three arrested militants, the KYKL cadre, identified as Hijam Manichandra Singh, was allegedly involved in causing an explosion at a petrol pump at Moirang Thana Leikai in Bishnupur district on January 8.

Following his arrest, other accomplices involved in the blast have been identified, and efforts are on to arrest the remaining accused.

According to the police, militants riding a two-wheeler hurled a bomb at the fuel station at Moirang Thana Leikai on January 8, triggering an explosion.

Although no one was injured, the blast caused damage to the fuel station.


To protest the two consecutive attacks -- on January 8 in Bishnupur district and December 6 in Imphal East district -- all petrol pumps across Manipur Valley and adjoining areas remained shut on January 10.

The shutdown was called by the Manipur Petroleum Dealers Fraternity (MPDF), demanding adequate security for fuel outlets and their staff.

The MPDF also sought compensation for the damage caused to the Bishnupur fuel station in the January 8 blast.

Manipur Governor attends 2026 North-East Seminar

Governor of Manipur Ajay Kumar Bhalla attended the 2026 North-East Seminar on the theme “Resurgent Manipur: Framework for Stability & Sustained Growth” at the City Convention Centre, Imphal.

Governor highlighted Manipur’s resilience, rich cultural heritage, strategic geography and the collective efforts of the Government, security forces, civil society and community stakeholders in steering the State towards peace, stability and long-term development.

He stressed the importance of reconciliation, social cohesion, strong governance, strengthened border management, curbing organised crime and enhancing cooperation among all sections of society.

Governor also underscored Manipur’s immense potential in agriculture, horticulture, handloom, handicrafts, eco-tourism and sports—emphasising the entrepreneurial spirit of its people and the remarkable achievements of Manipuri athletes on the global stage.

He called for deeper investment in education, skill development, connectivity and youth empowerment to shape a stable and prosperous future.

The event featured three plenary sessions, beginning with Session 1: “Manipur at Crossroads”. The session was chaired by Lt Gen (retd) CA Krishnan, who presented an insightful overview on “Complexities of Manipur – A Brief Overview”, outlining the evolving security landscape, governance challenges and the impact of regional geopolitical shifts.

Rami N. Desai, anthropologist and Senior Fellow at the India Foundation, gave a detailed presentation on “External Dynamics as a Catalyst for Internal Turmoil in Manipur”, examining cross-border influences, demographic pressures, illegal immigration, narcotics networks and the broader geopolitical developments shaping the State’s internal stability.