Imphal: Two powerful bomb blasts occurred at the office of the United Committee Manipur (UCM) in Lamphel, Imphal West, on Thursday evening, sending shockwaves through the region.
The blasts, which took place around 7:45 PM, targeted the headquarters of the influential civil society organization, which has played a pivotal role in Manipur’s socio-political landscape.
According to police reports, a four-wheeler approached the UCM office and hurled two suspected grenades at the premises.
One of the grenades exploded inside the campus, while the other detonated near the main gate. Fortunately, no casualties have been reported.
Following the incident, security forces intensified frisking and checking in and around the Lamphel area in a bid to prevent further threats and identify those responsible.
Senior police officials, including Imphal West Superintendent of Police Ksh Shivakanta, DIG H. Herojit, and IG Themthing Ngasangva, promptly visited the site to assess the situation.
The UCM, an umbrella organization comprising various civil society groups in Manipur, was established on July 3, 2001.
It was formed in response to the controversial ceasefire agreement between the NSCN (IM) and the Government of India, which sparked widespread protests in the state.
The UCM’s formation followed the infamous June 18 incident of 2001, during which 18 protesters lost their lives while demonstrating to protect Manipur’s territorial integrity.
This is not the first time the UCM office has been targeted.
On February 23, 2024, unidentified miscreants set fire to the same office in Lamphel, raising concerns over the safety of civil society organizations in the state.
As of now, no individual or group has claimed responsibility for the latest attack.