Manipur civil groups across communities call for end to attacks on civilians

Civil society organisations representing different ethnic communities in Manipur have urged authorities to stop attacks on civilians, cutting across ethnic lines in a rare show of restraint after recent violence in the state.

The appeals followed two improvised explosive device blasts in Manipur’s Bishnupur district that injured two people.

Police said the first explosion occurred inside the abandoned house of a 70-year-old man from the Meitei community who is currently living in a relief camp. A second blast took place near the same location later in the day.

The incidents come amid heavy deployment of central security forces following the Meitei Kuki clashes that erupted in May 2023.

In separate statements, the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity and the Kuki Zo Council condemned the attacks without naming or blaming any community. Both organisations called on authorities to investigate the incidents and identify those responsible. The Kuki Zo Council described the bombing as the act of unknown miscreants and asked for stronger vigilance around buffer zones.

Manipur Police said the case would be handed over to the National Investigation Agency, citing the recovery of small metal components from the explosive devices and the agency’s advanced forensic capabilities.

Other groups also condemned the attacks.

The Meitei Heritage Society raised concerns over security lapses, noting that the incident occurred despite the presence of central forces.

The Thadou Community International accused Kuki supremacist groups of attempting to derail reconciliation and called on the central government to act firmly under President’s Rule.

Manipur has been under President’s Rule since February 2025, which was extended for another six months. Any further extension would require meeting constitutional conditions, including the declaration of an emergency in the state.