Unidentified persons triggered a bomb blast at the residential compound of BJP MLA Sapam Ranjan Singh in Manipur's Imphal West district early Friday, causing damage to the compound but leaving no one injured.
The explosion occurred at around 1.30 am at the rear of Singh's residence in Konthoujam Mayai Leikai, the MLA said. The blast was loud enough to "shake the house", according to Singh, who is also the Manipur government spokesperson.
The explosion left a small crater on the ground and damaged the walls of the compound. Police have not publicly identified those responsible and no group has claimed responsibility for the attack.
Singh had returned to Manipur on Thursday after an out-of-state visit and met his workers later that evening. He said he had not received any threats before the blast and questioned the motive behind the attack.
"Under the prevailing situation in the State, I want those responsible to clarify such violent acts. What is the gain and the purpose of such an act? I strongly condemn it and don't want such things to happen," Singh said.
Manipur Chief Minister Y. Khemchand Singh condemned the incident as a "senseless and barbaric attack" on the residence of an elected representative and called it an "attack on democracy". He said he had visited Singh's residence following the blast and that those responsible would be brought to justice.
The incident comes as Manipur continues to face the effects of ethnic violence that began in May 2023. State government data shared in April showed that more than 59,000 people had been displaced and at least 217 people had died in the violence between May 3, 2023 and March 30, 2026.
The violence has particularly affected districts including Churachandpur, Imphal West, Bishnupur and Kangpokpi.