The sit-in protest against the Saiton–Nganukon bomb blast incident continued at Kumbi in Bishnupur district, with social worker Ahanthem Shanjoy delivering a sharp critique of alleged security lapses and the role of the Government of India in handling the crisis. The protest is being organised by the People’s Action Committee Against Nganukon Bomb Blast at Saiton Heiyaikon Thongkhong.
Addressing the gathering, Ahanthem Shanjoy condemned the January five bomb blasts in the strongest terms and described the planting of improvised explosive devices targeting civilians as a grave crime and a blatant violation of ground rules by militants suspected to be operating under the Suspension of Operations arrangement. He questioned how such an act could have taken place in an area where Central Reserve Police Force and other security personnel were deployed, and alleged that the failure to prevent the incident reflected serious lapses on the part of the security apparatus.
Ahanthem Shanjoy stated that the ongoing crisis in Manipur could have been resolved within a few days had there been genuine political will at the national level. Instead, he alleged that Kuki militant groups were being indirectly supported, leading to continued violence against the Meitei community. He described the attacks as systematic and asserted that the situation amounted to an attempt to eliminate the Meitei population.
Referring specifically to the Saiton–Nganukon incident, he said the bombs were triggered at a time when villagers, who had earlier fled the area due to attacks by Kuki armed militants, were returning to their homes in line with government policy. Despite the presence of central forces, militants allegedly managed to plant and detonate the devices without being stopped, resulting in serious injuries to civilians.
The explosions occurred on the morning of January five, when two improvised explosive devices planted at an abandoned house at Nganukon were detonated. Two more devices exploded again at a distance of about two hundred metres from the initial site. In the second blast, Nongthombam Ongbi Indubala of Saiton Heiyaikon and Soibam Sanatomba of Saiton Awang Leikai sustained critical injuries.
Public anger over the incident led to the vandalisation of Central Reserve Police Force bunkers. Protesters have been demanding the withdrawal of central forces from the area and their replacement with state forces, alleging that the presence of central forces failed to ensure civilian safety.
During his address, Ahanthem Shanjoy also drew historical parallels, recalling the resistance of ancestors against repeated Awagi invasions and the role of Maharaja Gambhir Singh in ultimately driving them out. The protest coincided with the observance of the one hundred and ninety-second death anniversary of Maharaja Gambhir Singh, during which floral tributes were offered at his memorial.
He further raised concerns over what he described as unchecked settlement by people from neighbouring countries, warning that such developments threatened the identity, dignity, and future of indigenous communities. Referring to the Instrument of Accession signed on August eleven, nineteen forty-seven, he stated that only defence, external affairs, and communications were transferred to the Indian Union, and called for a public examination of whether these provisions were being honoured in practice.
Clarifying his position, Ahanthem Shanjoy said the protest was not directed against any community but against armed militants and forces undermining peace and unity. Protesters displayed placards reading “We Want Peace,” “We Want Justice,” and “No to Saiton Bomb Blast.”