Tension escalated in the Saiton–Nganukhong area of Bishnupur district on Monday morning after local residents dismantled a Central Reserve Police Force bunker located near Saiton Bridge, holding it responsible for failing to prevent a militant attack in the area.
The incident followed twin bomb blasts allegedly carried out by Kuki militants at Nganukhong in the early hours of the day, which injured civilians and damaged property. According to local sources, the explosions occurred around 9 am.
Angered by the attack and alleging negligence, residents accused the CRPF personnel stationed at the Saiton Bridge bunker of failing to conduct proper checks, allowing the militants to carry out the blasts. Following this, enraged locals dismantled the bunker amid heightened tension in the area.
Soon after the incident, Kumbi Assembly Constituency MLA Sanasam Premchandra, Superintendent of Police Bishnupur Th. Shankerdev and the Additional District Magistrate of Bishnupur rushed to the spot. The officials inspected the blast site and attempted to pacify the agitated residents.
Local residents said assurances were given that CRPF personnel would be relocated from inside Nganukhong village and that an Indian Reserve Battalion post would be set up at the Nganukhong Primary School to strengthen security in the area.
Due to the prevailing situation, Meitei residents of Nganukhong, located beyond Saiton Bridge, have been unable to return to their homes and are continuing to stay at relief camps. However, local sources claimed that Bengali residents are still staying in Nganukhong.