Security forces in Manipur are carrying out intensive operations under the supervision of the NIA to prevent further incidents.
BY PC Bureau
January 6, 2026 – The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has formally taken over the probe into twin explosions that injured two civilians in Ngaukon village of Bishnupur district on January 5. The development underscores the central government’s focus on a thorough investigation amid heightened security concerns and persistent ethnic tensions in the state.
The blasts occurred near the Phougakchao Ikhai police station area, situated along the sensitive Bishnupur–Churachandpur border that separates the Meitei-dominated valley regions from the Kuki-Zo majority hill districts. According to preliminary reports, the first explosion struck around 5:45 am inside an abandoned house that has remained unoccupied since the outbreak of ethnic violence in May 2023. The house’s owners, along with their family, have been living in a government relief camp since being displaced by the previous unrest.
A second blast followed at approximately 8:45 am, about 200 metres from the first site, as locals had gathered after hearing news of the initial explosion. Two civilians—Sanatomba Singh and Indubala Devi—suffered splinter injuries from the blasts. Both are currently reported to be stable and receiving treatment at a nearby hospital.
Manipur Police have transferred to the NIA for a detailed investigation, signaling the possibility of a terror angle given the strategic location and sensitive ethnic dynamics in the area. In response, intensive combing operations and search drives are underway in and around Bishnupur, while security has been significantly strengthened across the state, including the establishment of additional checkpoints, increased patrols, and deployment of rapid response teams to prevent further escalation.
Senior police officials, including the Inspector General of Police and the Bishnupur Superintendent of Police, personally visited the blast sites to supervise response efforts and coordinate with local authorities. Law enforcement sources indicated that forensic teams and bomb disposal units are meticulously examining the explosion sites, collecting evidence, and analyzing blast signatures to determine the type of explosives used and possible perpetrators.
The twin blasts have deepened public anxiety in a state already scarred by prolonged ethnic conflict. Since May 2023, over 260 people have lost their lives, thousands remain displaced, and social trust between communities has been severely strained. The current instability has contributed to a tense security environment, with sporadic incidents of violence and clashes reported in both valley and hill regions.
Manipur has been under President’s Rule since February 2025, following the resignation of former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh amid political instability and governance challenges. The handover of the blast investigation to the NIA reflects the central government’s determination to identify potential terror links and prevent further escalation in a state with complex ethnic dynamics.
Civil society and community organizations have reacted strongly to the incidents. The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) called for a swift, transparent, and time-bound inquiry, urging authorities to make findings public to restore confidence among residents. Meanwhile, several organizations, including the Indigenous People Organisation and the All Manipur Students’ Union (AMSU), have announced a 24-hour statewide shutdown starting midnight on January 7 to protest the continuing insecurity and perceived failure to protect civilians.
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Local leaders and community elders have emphasized the need for dialogue and mediation between communities to prevent further tensions. Security analysts warn that such attacks, if unaddressed, could undermine ongoing peace-building efforts and further destabilize the fragile social fabric in Manipur.
The NIA’s involvement brings additional resources and expertise to the investigation, including access to advanced forensic technology, intelligence-sharing networks, and counter-terrorism units. Officials have stated that the agency will work closely with state police to trace the source of explosives, identify potential suspects, and prevent further attacks.
As residents in Bishnupur and surrounding areas remain wary, authorities have appealed for calm and cooperation with security personnel. The blasts, coming almost two years after the onset of ethnic violence, serve as a grim reminder of the lingering volatility in Manipur and the urgent need for robust law enforcement, community engagement, and effective governance to restore long-term peace.
