Bomb Blast Claims One Life, Injures Another in Imphal; UCM Office Set Ablaze Amidst Ethnic Tensions

At approximately 9:30 pm on Friday, a bomb blast occurred at the Dhanamanjuri University complex near the office of the All Manipur Students Union (AMSU) in Imphal West district, Manipur. The explosion resulted in the death of one individual, identified as Oinam Kenegy (24), and left another, Salam Michael (24), injured. Both victims, residents of Bishnupur district, were promptly taken to a private medical hospital, where Kenegy succumbed to his injuries while Michael received treatment.

No group has claimed responsibility for the blast thus far. Following the incident, law enforcement swiftly arrived at the scene, cordoning off the area. An investigation is underway to apprehend the perpetrators and ascertain the type of explosive device used, suspected to be a grenade, according to police sources.

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In a separate incident, the office of the United Committee Manipur (UCM) was reportedly set ablaze in the early hours of Saturday in Lamphel, Imphal West district. Allegedly carried out by a group of unidentified individuals, the arson occurred around 12:30 am. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in this incident. Authorities have launched an investigation to apprehend those responsible.

The UCM, established in 2001 to safeguard Manipur’s territorial integrity, serves as an umbrella organization for various civil society groups. The motive behind the attack on its office remains unclear.

These incidents unfold against the backdrop of ongoing ethnic tensions between the Meitei and Kuki communities since May of the preceding year. The conflict has resulted in the loss of at least 215 lives and the displacement of approximately 50,000 individuals.