Manipur Violence: Blast inside college campus claims one life; United Committee Manipur Office torched

Imphal: In an ongoing wave of violence, an explosion rattled a college compound in Imphal on Friday, 23rd January resulting in one fatality and leaving another critically injured. The suspected Improvised Explosive Device (IED) blast triggered rapid responses from emergency services, who swiftly transported the victims to a private hospital. Regrettably, one individual succumbed to their injuries, intensifying the repercussions of the incident.

Adding to the tense situation, miscreants targeted the United Committee Manipur (UCM) office in Lamphel, Imphal West district, setting it ablaze in the early hours of Saturday, February 24. The incident, occurring around 01:40 am, unfolds against the backdrop of heightened unrest in the region.

This incident follows closely on the heels of a blast outside the DM College at Thangmeiband in Imphal West on the previous day. Notably, the blast site shares proximity with the All Manipur Students Union (AMSU) office, indicating a potentially targeted sequence of events. The explosion, reported at 9:25 pm, adds a layer of complexity to the prevailing situation in Manipur.

The state has been grappling with the aftermath of an ethnic conflict that erupted in May the previous year. Originating from a ‘Tribal Solidarity March,’ organised in protest of the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status, the conflict has left a lasting impact. Recently, the Manipur government’s announcement to detect and deport illegal intruders using 1961 as the base year further fueled tensions. This escalation manifested in the Kuki-dominated Churachandpur district, where miscreants targeted government buildings, including DC bungalows, and stormed the SP office.

As Manipur continues to face these challenges, urgent efforts are required to restore peace and stability. Authorities are actively addressing the underlying issues, working towards de-escalation, and ensuring the safety of the public in this tumultuous environment.