A bomb, suspected to be a grenade, exploded at a crematorium located between the entrance of the Imphal airport cargo terminal and a camp of the Territorial Army in Imphal at 11:55 AM on Sunday. The blast occurred amid heightened security measures in view of the completion of three years of the Manipur conflict, which began on May 3, 2023.
No casualties were reported in the incident. The area had been under increased vigilance due to the anniversary of the conflict, which has seen periodic violence in the region.
IED and Arms Recovery
In a related development, security forces on Saturday recovered an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) weighing approximately 9 kilograms, along with one 12-bore rifle and five live rounds of 7.62 mm ammunition. The recovery was made from the Henjang village area under Thoubal Dam Police Station in Imphal East district.
The IED was found during a search operation based on intelligence inputs. The explosives and arms were safely defused by bomb disposal squads, and further investigations are underway to trace those responsible for planting the device.
Security Context
The Manipur conflict, which has been ongoing for three years, has led to multiple security incidents in the region. The blast at the crematorium and the recovery of the IED highlight the continued threat posed by insurgent groups. Security forces have been conducting regular patrols and search operations to prevent further attacks.
Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station. The situation in Imphal remains tense but under control, with additional forces deployed in sensitive areas.
