New Delhi: An explosion rocked a village in Manipur’s Imphal West district on Wednesday evening, triggering panic among residents in the conflict-ridden region. The blast occurred near the home of Okram Haridas in Kadangband Part 2, within the Lamshang police station area. No was injured in the incident, but it prompted authorities to relocate locals to safer areas as a precaution, reported news agency PTI.
Security forces swiftly arrived at the scene following reports of the blast, which locals speculated could have been triggered by a drone. The officials are still investigating the exact cause of the explosion.
First drone bomb attack on 1 September
Kadangband village, located close to the foothills bordering Kangpokpi district, has experienced a number of similar incidents since ethnic tensions began in the state in May last year. This area, just a few kilometres from Koutruk, was also the site of Manipur’s first drone bomb attack on 1 September, underscoring the increased use of sophisticated weaponry in the conflict.
Manipur has seen a worrying escalation in violence and armed clashes in recent weeks. On Saturday night, simultaneous outbreaks of gunfire and explosions erupted across multiple locations, highlighting the deepening security crisis. At around 7pm on that day, militants, identified by authorities as belonging to the Kuki ethnic group, launched an assault on Koutruk Ching Leikai village using advanced firearms and explosives.
Fresh uptick in violence
The confrontation reportedly involved a drone believed to be operated by militants from Bethel village, with parallels drawn to a similar drone deployment in September. State forces were able to neutralise the drone, and police have since assured residents of increased preparedness by CRPF personnel against any future drone-related threats.
Meanwhile, in the Bishnupur district, a separate attack unfolded around 9.15pm in Tronglaobi village, where suspected Kuki militants targeted the area with gunfire from positions in Geljang and Molshang. Local security forces and village volunteers mounted a defence, sparking a second intense exchange.
