Triple IED blasts rock Saiton–Nganukhong area, 2 returnees injured as fresh attacks escalate tensions in Bishnupur

A series of three improvised explosive device blasts in the Saiton–Nganukhong area of Bishnupur district injured two villagers early Thursday morning, just days after renewed violence in neighbouring areas threatened the fragile resettlement of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Manipur.
The first two explosions occurred between 05:45 and 05:55 am at an abandoned house in the Saiton area. The third blast jolted the community at approximately 08:46 am on a roadside about 200 metres from the initial blast site, heightening fears among returnees and security personnel.
The injured persons sustained wounds after approaching the site of the initial blast. The first explosion was reported at the long-deserted residence of Salam Mani (70), whose family has been sheltering at the Keibul Lamjao Relief Camp since the ethnic violence broke out on 03 May 2023. Residents had begun returning under the state government’s rehabilitation policy, part of a larger effort that has seen around 10,000 IDPs resettled across Manipur so far, according to the Chief Secretary.
Security sources allege the explosive devices had been planted at abandoned homes belonging to Meitei families, reportedly intended as traps targeting returnees. These claims have not been independently verified by official authorities.
The blasts come against the backdrop of recent militant attacks in the region. On 16 December 2025, armed assailants suspected to be Kuki militants launched coordinated heavy firing and explosive assaults on Meitei IDP returnees in Phougakchao Ikhai and Torbung areas, just hours after families had returned home following years in relief camps. The attacks triggered widespread protests by hundreds of IDPs in Bishnupur district demanding justice and stronger security measures.
Security forces from the Central forces and Phougakchao Ikhai Police Station were deployed to the blast site and have launched a comprehensive search and sanitisation operation to eliminate further explosive threats. Police have also initiated an investigation to identify and apprehend those responsible for the blasts.
The incidents have further strained tensions in the region and raised serious concerns about the safety and security of displaced populations returning to their homes amid ongoing ethnic violence and militant activity.