Violence flared once again in Northeast India this week. On January 5, 2026, multiple explosions in Manipur’s Bishnupur district left two individuals injured and triggered widespread panic. The incident occurred in the Saiton-Nganukon area, a region that remains highly sensitive due to ongoing ethnic tensions.
Because of the serious nature of the attack, the state government has officially handed the case over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA). High-level officials, including an Inspector General of Police, visited the sites to oversee the initial investigation and secure the perimeter.
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Details of the Twin Blasts in Ngaukon Village
The first of the explosions in Manipur’s Bishnupur district occurred early Monday morning around 5:45 am. This blast targeted an abandoned residence belonging to a family currently living in a relief camp. While this initial explosion caused significant property damage, it did not result in immediate casualties.
However, a second explosion occurred nearly three hours later at approximately 8:45 am. This blast took place about 200 metres away from the first site. Unfortunately, this occurred just as local residents and security personnel gathered to inspect the damage from the first incident.
The two injured individuals have been identified as:
- Soibam Sanatomba (51): A retired CRPF personnel who sustained splinter injuries.
- Nongthombam Indubala (37): A local woman who also suffered injuries to her leg.
Medical professionals at a nearby government hospital are currently treating both victims. Fortunately, doctors have declared them to be out of danger.
Rising Public Anger and Security Concerns
Following the explosions in Manipur’s Bishnupur district, local residents expressed deep frustration. Many villagers engaged in heated arguments with security forces. They alleged that surveillance lapses allowed militants to plant Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) in a heavily guarded zone.
In an act of protest, an irate mob dismantled a makeshift security bunker in the vicinity. Consequently, the state government has deployed additional forces to the area to prevent further unrest. Security agencies are now conducting intensive “combing operations” in the adjoining hills and fringe forests to locate the perpetrators.
National Investigation Agency (NIA) Takes Over
The decision to involve the NIA underscores the gravity of the situation. Initially, the Phougakchao Ikhai Police handled the case. However, the involvement of locally made IEDs suggests a coordinated militant effort.
Furthermore, the timing of the blasts has drawn condemnation from various political and civil bodies. BJP MLAs in the state warned that these attacks aim to derail ongoing peace reconciliation efforts. Meanwhile, organizations like the All Manipur Students’ Union (AMSU) called for a 24-hour statewide shutdown to protest the security failure.
The Broader Context of Unrest
Manipur has been under President’s Rule since early 2025. Despite this, sporadic violence continues to haunt the border districts. These latest explosions in Manipur’s Bishnupur district serve as a grim reminder of the fragile security situation.
To combat this, the police have set up over 110 checkpoints across the state. They are also providing armed escorts for essential commodity trucks along National Highway 37. The government remains committed to identifying the “narco-terrorist” elements believed to be behind these targeted attacks on civilian areas.
The recent explosions in Manipur’s Bishnupur district have once again put the state on high alert. While the NIA begins its in-depth probe, the priority remains the safety of the displaced families and local residents.
Ultimately, restoring lasting peace will require both strict security enforcement and transparent investigations. The people of Bishnupur now wait for justice as the authorities work to apprehend those responsible for this act of terror.
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