Manipur BJP MLAs condemn Bishnupur blasts, warn against attempts to derail peace process

Two BJP MLAs in Manipur on January 6 strongly condemned the serial bomb explosions in Bishnupur district that injured two civilians, including a woman, warning that the incident appeared to be a deliberate attempt to sabotage ongoing efforts to restore peace and normalcy in the violence-hit state.

BJP MLA Khongbantabam Ibomcha Singh termed the blasts “highly condemnable” and said they were aimed at prolonging instability in Manipur at a time when multiple stakeholders are working towards reconciliation.

“The Government of India, civil society organisations, the Manipur government under President’s Rule, and BJP Manipur Pradesh are putting in maximum effort to restore peace. Amidst this, the serial bomb explosions at Saiton injuring two civilians are very unfortunate. This is clearly an act to sabotage the peace process,” Ibomcha told reporters on the sidelines of the 51st foundation day celebration of the Manipur Press Club, where he attended as the guest of honour.

Alleging that some elements were opposed to the return of normalcy, the MLA said miscreants existed in both the hill and valley regions. “With collective efforts, peace is about to prevail in the state. However, some people do not want peace and are trying to create disturbances,” he said.

Ibomcha added that BJP MLAs had held a meeting to discuss the incident and decided not to make detailed comments until a proper investigation establishes the facts. “The incident is confusing. Two bombs exploded early in the morning at an abandoned house, and later another explosion occurred around 8 pm, injuring two civilians. A thorough investigation is necessary,” he said.

Highlighting the Centre’s efforts, Ibomcha said the Government of India has initiated talks with representatives of all communities and is keen on reinstating a popular government in Manipur. He urged people to view this as an opportunity, cautioning that dissolving the Assembly could delay elections indefinitely. “For the return of an elected government, a peaceful atmosphere is essential,” he said.
Separately, Manipur Legislative Assembly member Yumnam Khemchand Singh also condemned the blast at Saiton Nganukon village under the Kumbi Assembly constituency and urged the Centre to take the matter seriously.

In a statement issued, Khemchand said the injured victims are currently undergoing treatment at Jawaharlal Nehru Hospital in Imphal and prayed for their speedy recovery. He said the explosion once again highlighted the fragile security situation in the state.

The MLA noted that the incident occurred at a time when civil society organisations are making concerted efforts to restore peace and recalled a recent firing incident at Torbung, warning that such developments threaten to derail reconciliation initiatives.

Questioning the timing of the blast, Khemchand said it took place when the Government of India and the President’s Rule administration are working to stabilise the situation and facilitate the return of internally displaced persons (IDPs) from both communities to their homes.

Drawing attention to the broader regional context, Khemchand cautioned that ongoing conflicts and civil war–like situations in neighbouring Myanmar and Bangladesh are having a spillover effect on the Northeast. He said the fresh violence at such a critical juncture raised suspicion of a possible external or foreign hand attempting to exploit the unrest in Manipur.

He urged the Centre to ensure a thorough investigation to identify those responsible and take firm action against forces seeking to prolong instability, stressing that lasting peace requires decisive and timely intervention.

According to officials, a series of bomb explosions occurred at Saiton Nganukon in Bishnupur district on Sunday. Two bombs exploded in quick succession at an abandoned house in Nganukon Ward No. 8 around 5.41 am. As villagers gathered near the site, two more explosions took place, injuring two civilians, including a woman.

Security forces rushed to the area and launched search and sanitisation operations to rule out the presence of additional explosive devices.