Saiton, Bishnupur district: Fresh violence erupted in Saiton village on Monday after multiple improvised explosive device (IED) explosions left at least two civilians injured, triggering panic and heightened security in the area.
According to local sources, the first two IEDs detonated around 5:10 am at a house in the Nganukon area belonging to Salam Mani Singh, who is currently taking shelter at the Keibul Lamjao relief camp. Residents alleged that the explosives were planted by suspected Kuki armed militants.
Later in the morning, at around 8:45 am, two more IEDs exploded simultaneously at the same location. The subsequent blasts injured people who had rushed to inspect the site following the earlier explosions.
The injured were identified as Soibam Sanatomba (45), a retired CRPF personnel from Saiton Maning Leikai, who sustained injuries to his left leg, and Nongthombam Indubala (37) of Saiton Hayaikon Maning Leikai, who suffered injuries to her right leg. Both were taken to a nearby medical facility for treatment.
Local residents noted that out of nine houses in the affected area, only Mani Singh’s house remains standing, as the rest were destroyed during the peak of ethnic violence in 2023.
This incident marks the second major security-related episode in the region within three weeks. On December 16 last year, Torbung village—around three kilometres west of Saiton—witnessed a heavy exchange of fire involving more than 200 rounds.
Significantly, the blast site is located barely 200 metres from a CRPF camp. Following the explosions, tension flared as angry residents attempted to move towards the area, and some protesters reportedly dismantled a CRPF bunker.
In response, security has been intensified in and around Saiton village. Senior officials from the civil administration, police, and armed forces rushed to the spot, while security forces have increased vigilance to prevent further escalation.
Meanwhile, several civil society organisations have announced a 24-hour general strike on Tuesday, protesting the continuing violence and deteriorating security situation in the region.
