Security Concerns Rise in Manipur Following IED Recovery

In a troubling development, two improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were discovered and safely defused in Bishnupur district, Manipur. This incident has reignited security fears among residents, particularly those displaced by recent ethnic violence. Local villagers alerted authorities after spotting the explosives in abandoned homes, leading to a swift response from police and bomb disposal experts. The recovery coincided with a government meeting addressing the resettlement of internally displaced persons, raising further concerns about safety in rehabilitation areas. The situation is compounded by a recent tragic bombing that resulted in the deaths of two children, prompting widespread protests and calls for stronger security measures. The investigation into the earlier incident has now been handed over to the National Investigation Agency.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 12, 2026, 11:58 IST

IEDs Discovered in Bishnupur District

One of the IEDs recovered from an abandoned house in Bishnupur’s Tronglaobi Maning Leikai village. (AT Photo)

Imphal, May 12: Authorities reported the recovery and safe detonation of two high-intensity improvised explosive devices (IEDs) from two deserted homes in the Bishnupur district of Manipur, raising alarms about security in the region affected by violence.

The explosives were discovered on May 11 in the village of Tronglaobi Maning Leikai, which falls under the Moirang Police Station's jurisdiction. The abandoned properties belonged to Ningthoujam Ibomcha, aged 56, and Konjenbam Rambo, aged 36.

Officials noted that the IEDs were equipped with wires and batteries, suggesting they were primed for detonation.

Local villagers were the first to notice the suspicious devices in the vacant houses and promptly notified the police.

Responding quickly, personnel from the Moirang Police Station, along with bomb disposal specialists, arrived at the scene and successfully neutralized both explosives without any injuries.

This incident coincided with a review meeting held by Manipur's Home Minister, Deputy Commissioners, and senior officials in Bishnupur district, where they discussed the resettlement of internally displaced persons (IDPs).

The presence of explosives in abandoned structures has reignited fears among residents and displaced families regarding the safety of areas designated for rehabilitation and return.

“Such occurrences create uncertainty among the populace and compel us to question the government and law enforcement about the lack of preventive measures,” expressed Malemnganbi, a local resident from Tronglaobi Mamang Leikai, during a phone conversation.

Once home to nearly 50 families, Tronglaobi Maning Leikai has seen significant abandonment following the ethnic violence that erupted in Manipur on May 3, 2023, resulting in widespread destruction and displacement.

This recovery follows a tragic bomb explosion on April 7 in the nearby Tronglaobi Awang Leikai, which claimed the lives of two children and sparked widespread fear and outrage throughout Manipur.

The incident led to large-scale protests across the state, with civil society groups, women's organizations, and local residents demanding justice and enhanced security in at-risk areas.

In response to growing public pressure, the Manipur government subsequently transferred the investigation of the April bombing to the National Investigation Agency (NIA).