The investigation into the twin explosions that rocked Manipur’s Bishnupur district on January 5 has been handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA), officials said on Tuesday.
The blasts occurred at Ngaukon village under the Phougakchao police station area, leaving two persons injured. The first explosion, suspected to have been triggered by an improvised explosive device (IED), took place at around 5.45 am at an abandoned house. A second blast followed nearly three hours later, around 8.45 am, at a location about 200 metres away, when local residents gathered after learning about the initial explosion.
Confirming the transfer of the case, Manipur Police said the matter has been forwarded to the NIA for detailed investigation. The police added that intensive combing and search operations are underway in adjoining areas, while security has been strengthened to prevent any further escalation of violence. Efforts are also being made to identify and apprehend those responsible for the blasts.
According to officials, the house where the first explosion occurred has remained abandoned since ethnic violence broke out in the state in May 2023, with the owner and his family currently staying in a relief camp.
The incident has further heightened tensions in Manipur, which has been witnessing prolonged unrest and violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities. More than 260 people have been killed and thousands displaced since the ethnic clashes began nearly two years ago.
In response to the blasts, several organisations, including the Indigenous People Organisation (IPO) and the All Manipur Students’ Union (AMSU), have called for a 24-hour statewide shutdown beginning from midnight on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, Meitei civil body Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) demanded an immediate, transparent and time-bound investigation into the incident.
Manipur has been under President’s Rule since February 2025, following the resignation of former Chief Minister N Biren Singh amid mounting criticism over his government’s handling of the ethnic violence.
