Manipur crisis worsens: 3 wounded in bomb blast, internet ban extended

As ethnic tensions continue to escalate in Manipur, a bomb blast in Bishnupur’s Kwakta area, one of the worst violence-hit regions in the state, resulted in three civilians injured Wednesday evening. The incident has led Union Home Minister Amit Shah to call an all-party meeting in New Delhi this Saturday to address the escalating crisis.
The bomb, an improvised explosive device (IED), was detonated around 7:30 pm inside an unoccupied SUV. Eyewitnesses reported seeing the driver vacating the vehicle shortly before the explosion. The injured parties were promptly transported to Bishnupur District Hospital, with one of them in a critical condition.
The blast comes amidst two months of ongoing ethnic violence in Manipur, sparked off by disputes over the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe status. An internet ban, initially imposed in response to the violence, has now been extended until Sunday, marking a disruptive 50-day period of internet blackout in the region.
Simultaneously, combing operations by various security forces are underway across the state. This includes the successful dismantlement of a bunker allegedly used by insurgents in the Imphal West district.
Despite the increased security measures, intermittent firings between rival outfits were reported in two areas in Manipur’s Imphal East and Imphal West districts on Wednesday. Fortunately, these incidents resulted in no casualties or injuries.
The violence, which has led to the loss of over 100 lives and the displacement of 50,000 people, has sparked national outcry. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh, Manipur Congress spokesperson Ningombam Bupenda Meitei, and former Union Minister Shashi Tharoor have all raised concerns about the deteriorating situation, highlighting the detrimental impact of the internet shutdown and the ensuing exodus of professionals from the state.
Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi has called for peace, emphasising the importance of unity and diversity in the face of devastation. Meanwhile, the Trinamool Congress questioned Prime Minister Modi’s recent visit to the United States amid the crisis, even as BJP representatives defended the move, underscoring ongoing efforts to bring peace in the region.
The Meitei community, which comprises about 53% of Manipur’s population, has been at the epicentre of the conflict following their demands for Scheduled Tribe status.