With the recent arrest of another individual by security forces, the total number of suspects detained in connection with the bomb blast at a petrol station in Manipur’s Bishnupur district has now reached two. The apprehended person, Pukhrambam Bimol Meitei alias Inaobi (41), was taken into custody from the Lamphel Sana Keithel area in Imphal West district. Meitei, a resident of Kakching district, is believed to be an accomplice involved in the explosion at a fuel station in Bishnupur district on January 8.
During the arrest, security forces seized various weapons and items from Meitei, including an SMG carbine with four magazines containing 107 live rounds, a 9 mm pistol with five live rounds, two HE-36 hand grenades with detonators, and a Honda Activa two-wheeler. Investigations into the petrol station blast are ongoing to uncover further details.
Earlier, another individual, Hijam Manichandra Singh (35), associated with the banned Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL) outfit, was arrested for his alleged role in the same explosion on January 8. Authorities are actively pursuing the remaining suspects linked to the incident. The police reported that militants on a two-wheeler threw a bomb at the fuel station, causing an explosion that damaged the station but resulted in no injuries.
In response to the attacks on January 8 and December 6, all petrol pumps in the Manipur Valley and nearby regions were closed on January 10. This shutdown was organized by the Manipur Petroleum Dealers Fraternity (MPDF) to demand increased security for fuel stations and staff. The MPDF has urged for better security measures, government accountability in case of attacks, compensation for damages, and adequate financial support for affected individuals.
Meanwhile, security forces conducted a joint operation in Imphal West district, recovering arms and ammunition. Additionally, Manipur Police arrested an active member of the Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP) militant group, Ningthoukhongjam Sushil Singh alias Kangla alias Ishingchaoba (47), from the same district. Extensive efforts are ongoing to combat militants, with search operations and area control activities in progress across various districts.
