Residents of Thoubal Okram Maning Leikai staged a sit-in-protest after a hand grenade was discovered at the front gate of the home of Ningombam/ Babu/ Singh/ Chahi, aged sixty four, son of the late Ningombam/ Achou/ Singh. His brother sweeping the courtyard spotted the bomb at about 6 am and immediately alerted Thoubal Police.
A team of Thoubal Police safely removed the grenade. Investigators have begun a case to determine who placed the explosive and why the special contractor’s household was targeted.
Meira/ Paibis of the locality quickly organised a sit in at the Okram/ Keithel community hall. Protesters held placards reading “We condemn keeping bombs at local houses” and “Safety of residents must come first.” Speaking on behalf of the demonstrators, Okram/ Manorama/ Kumari said the attack had spread “fear and outrage” in a neighbourhood that prided itself on harmony.
Community leaders urged civil society organisations and all ethnic groups to show restraint, warning that reckless acts or inflammatory social media posts could deepen mistrust at a time when Manipur’s fragile peace requires collective vigilance. They appealed to the state government to bring the perpetrators to justice swiftly and to intensify security patrols in residential zones.
Police have requested anyone with information to come forward. Meanwhile, residents have vowed to maintain round the clock vigilance until the investigation makes headway, saying the safety of families cannot be compromised.