Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Imphal: Unidentified individuals targeted the residence of an Air India cargo manager in Manipur's Imphal East district early on May 23. The incident occurred at approximately 1:42 am at the home of 52-year-old Thokchom Brojen in Bashikhong. Security footage shows an individual throwing a grenade toward the house, but the device failed to detonate.
Police from the Irilbung station and a bomb disposal team secured the scene shortly after the attempt. Experts identified the weapon as a 36-HE grenade and safely defused it by 9:27 am. The device was subsequently disposed of at Kalika Hills. Authorities have registered a case and initiated an investigation into the attack.
This event marks the third incident involving airline cargo operations in the state this month. On May 3, an improvised explosive device detonated outside the Imphal International Airport terminal. The Kangleipak Communist Party, a banned militant group, claimed responsibility for that blast, alleging that cargo operators were smuggling liquor and tobacco. Earlier in the month, a grenade was also thrown at the home of an IndiGo Airlines cargo manager, though it failed to explode.
The region has faced significant instability since ethnic violence began in May 2023. Tensions recently increased following a May 13 ambush that resulted in four deaths. In response to ongoing disruptions, officials have urged citizens to pursue dialogue rather than resorting to blockades or violence that negatively impact local workers and students.
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