Two IEDs were found fitted at houses of displaced families in Tronglaobi, Bishnupur district, days after the May 7 rocket attack. Bomb Disposal Squad safely defused the explosives as security forces intensified search operations in surrounding areas.
Two suspected Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) were found fitted at the houses of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Tronglaobi Awang Leikai and Maning Leikai under Moirang Police Station in Bishnupur district on Saturday morning, officials and local sources said.
According to reports, the IEDs were discovered between 6 AM and 7 AM at residences belonging to displaced families who have been staying at relief camps since the outbreak of violence in Manipur on May 3, 2023.
One of the affected houses reportedly belongs to Ningthoujam Ibomcha (56), while another device was found fitted at a nearby residence. Sources said one of the IEDs had been attached near the entrance and connected to a battery and wire mechanism allegedly designed to explode when the door was opened.
The devices were detected before detonation, following which the Bomb Disposal Squad and police personnel were informed immediately.
A team of the Manipur Police Bomb Disposal Squad, along with officers from Moirang Police Station, later reached the area and carried out a controlled disposal operation at around 12:45 PM in an isolated field nearby. No casualties or property damage were reported during the disposal process.
Police have registered a case and initiated an investigation into the incident. Authorities are also examining how the devices were allegedly planted in the area despite existing security deployment and restrictions.
The latest recovery comes days after the April 7 rocket attack at Tronglaobi Awang Leikai in Bishnupur district, in which two children were killed and their mother injured after a rocket-like projectile struck a residential house during the night. The incident had triggered widespread protests and heightened security deployment across the valley districts.
Following the earlier attack, internet services were suspended in five valley districts and curfew measures were imposed in parts of Bishnupur district amid rising tensions.
Local residents and village volunteers expressed concern over the latest incident and questioned the effectiveness of existing security arrangements in peripheral areas.
The affected families had reportedly been staying in relief camps since 2023 and occasionally returned to inspect their homes and belongings or tend kitchen gardens.
Security forces have intensified search operations in surrounding areas following the recovery of the IEDs. Residents have been advised to remain vigilant and report suspicious objects or activities to the authorities immediately.
Further developments are awaited.
