An unidentified person on Saturday attempted a grenade attack on the residence of Air India’s cargo service manager in Manipur’s East Imphal district, the third bomb attack on air cargo establishments.
Officers confirmed that the incident took place at around 1.42am at the residence of Thokchom Prujen (52) in Bashikong, Imphal East District, under the jurisdiction of Erlbong Police Station.
According to surveillance camera footage, an unknown person threw a grenade into the house, but it did not explode.
Later, a team from Erlbong Police Station, along with the Bomb Disposal Squad, reached the spot, dismantled the bomb around 9.27 am and disposed of it around 10.17 am in Kalika Hills.
Police confirmed that the bomb was a 36-HE bomb and registered a case for further investigation.
On May 3, an underground group affiliated with the Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP) planted an improvised explosive device (IED) that exploded outside Imphal International Airport. The group claimed that the target was the new charging station, and said it had planted a “smart explosive device” against those imposing the ban, siege and closure affecting daily wage earners, students and the public.
The group also claimed that the blast was a final warning to airline managers of the Imphal International Airport Authority who are allegedly encouraging smuggling of tobacco products and liquor in cargo aircraft.
On May 11, unidentified assailants hurled a bomb at the residence of IndiGo Airlines director Kungpal Khaidum Lekai in Imphal East, which also did not explode.
Violence broke out in Manipur on May 3, 2023 between the Kuki Zo and Meitei communities, killing more than 260 people and displacing more than 60,000. However, since February, clashes have erupted between the Kuki Zo and the Tangkul Naga.
Unrest in the state has escalated since May 13 between Kuki and Naga after a double ambush incident carried out by unidentified gunmen in Kangbukpi and Nonni areas killing four civilians, including three church leaders and a Naga man.
Following the incident, Manipur Home Minister Govindas Kunthujam said that members of the Kuki and Naga communities were detained by members of the corresponding communities.
