Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Imphal: A 41-year-old mother of three lost her left leg Tuesday after triggering a suspected explosive device in the Twilang region of Manipur. Durga Devi Bhattarai was grazing cattle in a field at Bazaghari village in Irang Part-II between 10 am and 11.45 am when the device detonated. Medics rushed her to Kangpokpi Christian Hospital before moving her to the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences in Imphal for trauma care.
This marks the third explosion in the area within five days. A villager reported that a cow owned by Amar Bahadur Basnet died Monday after hitting a similar device. Another blast occurred roughly four days ago, likely triggered by a wild animal. Residents now fear for their lives while working their own land.
The Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) blamed the NSCN-IM and ZUF-K for planting the mines. The group cited international law, specifically Articles 3(7) and 3(8) of the 1996 Amended Protocol II to the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons. CoTU stated, "Agricultural fields and grazing grounds must not be turned into hazardous zones amid armed hostilities."
The committee demanded the state and central governments hold the factions accountable. They also called for an immediate deployment of a Bomb Disposal Squad to clear the area. The Manipur Gorkha Welfare Union joined the condemnation, labeling the acts heinous. Local villagers are pressing for a formal investigation to determine how the explosives reached their fields.
Updated at 11th November 2026 at 2:02pm
The victim is the wife of Jeevan Bhattarai, the secretary of Bazaghari village. Social worker Soshim Gurung visited the victim at RIMS Hospital to assess the situation and express concern over the safety of the residents.
Updated at 12th November 2026 at 1:48am
The fallout from the recent explosions extends beyond the immediate trauma in Bazaghari. The Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), Sadar Hills, has declared a series of peaceful sit-in protests across Kangpokpi district starting November 12. These demonstrations target the government for its failure to address a broader Charter of Demands, including the recent abduction and killing of two Kuki civilians from Taphou Kuki village.
CoTU claims the administration ignored a seven-day deadline to resolve these issues, leaving public confidence in tatters. The committee warned that they will ratchet up their agitation if the state does not provide a concrete response to their grievances immediately.
Updated at 12th November 2026 at 9:50pm
The security situation fractured further on Thursday, November 12, when gunfire erupted near the Taphou Kuki and Kailengjang border. Kimneineng Chongloi, a 42-year-old mother, died on the spot after taking bullets to the chest while harvesting paddy. Two other villagers, Sehkhongam David Chongloi and Lamkhochon Chongloi, suffered critical injuries and required emergency medical evacuation.
The attack occurred despite a security cordon arranged by the Senapati Superintendent of Police, which included multiple sections of CRPF and BSF personnel. Villagers claimed the assailants opened fire with sophisticated weaponry from the Oiname Liangmei Taphou area, even targeting survivors attempting to retrieve gear after the initial volley. CoTU executive member Lamminlun Singsit slammed the deployment as a death trap, demanding the immediate withdrawal of forces operating under the Senapati SP.
Following the killing, CoTU declared a 48-hour total shutdown across Kangpokpi district. While emergency services and schools remain exempt, the committee has vowed to escalate its agitation, citing the government's failure to dismantle alleged NSCN-IM and ZUF-Kamson camps, specifically the Huthrong Brigade camp at Oklong. CoTU spokesperson Ng. Lun Kipgen warned that the protests will continue to intensify until the state arrests those responsible for the recent string of killings and provides tangible security guarantees for farmers working in the fringe areas.
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