Reported by Bit Irom
Imphal: Two hand grenades were discovered outside the residential gate of former Manipur Minister Bijoy Koijam, 66, at Thongju Pheijaleitong under Singjamei police station in Imphal West district, officials reported.
The explosives were spotted around 6:00 AM on Thursday.
Following the report, a team of Manipur Police, including bomb disposal experts, rushed to the spot and successfully defused the devices.
Local police have registered a case, and an investigation is underway to identify the perpetrators. No group has claimed responsibility for the incident so far.
This marks the third time explosives have been discovered near the former minister’s residence in less than two decades. Previous incidents involving anti-social elements were recorded on December 12, 2011, and February 12, 2025.
The repeated targeting of the politician’s residence has sparked outrage. Locals and student bodies in Imphal, including the Students’ Welfare Committee (SWFC), staged sit-in protests condemning armed threats directed at the former minister.
Protesters strongly criticised the placement of grenades in crowded civilian residential areas, emphasising the extreme risk posed to innocent civilians, women, and children.
Organising bodies urged those responsible to resolve any grievances or misunderstandings through peaceful negotiation rather than violent intimidation.