Protest at Saiton demands action over Nganukon bombing
Source: The Sangai Express

Moirang, January 07 2026: Strongly condemning the alleged bombing carried out by Kuki militants at an abandoned house in Saiton Nganukon under Kumbi Assembly Constituency of Bishnupur district, residents of the Saiton area staged a protest demonstration on Tuesday, demanding immediate action against those involved.

The abandoned house, which had remained vacant since the outbreak of ethnic violence in Manipur on May 3, 2023, was reportedly damaged in the blast.

Two civilians were injured by another bomb when they went to assess the damage to the house, triggering widespread public outrage.

The protest was organised by the People's Action Committee Against Nganukon Bomb Blast.

Demonstrators raised placards with slogans such as "Take Immediate Action Against Irresponsible CRPF Personnel", "Hand Over Nganukon Bomb Blast Case to NIA", "We Want Peace", "Arrest Kuki Militants Involved in Planting Bombs", "We Condemn Bomb Blast", and "Fulfil Assurances Given by Government Representatives" .

Speaking on the occasion, Salam Sanahanbi, secretary of Saiton Meira Paibi, said that frequent incidents of bombing and firing allegedly carried out by Kuki militants whenever discussions about forming a popular government aose appeared suspicious.

She alleged that such attacks were a deliberate attempt to prolong President Rule in the state.

Sanahanbi said Nganukon village falls under Saiton Gram Panchayat and is inhabited by both Meitei and Bengali communities.

Since the outbreak of violence, she said, Meitei residents have been forced to abandon their homes and are currently taking shelter in various relief camps.

She further alleged that despite Saiton being located only a few metres away and guarded by Central Forces, no steps have been taken to facilitate the resettlement of displaced Meitei residents.

Instead, she claimed, Meiteis are barred from entering the area, while Kuki militants are allegedly allowed free movement, enabling them to plant bombs in abandoned houses.

Condemning the negligence of the Central Forces, residents of the area demanded that State Forces take over security responsibilities from the CRPF at Nganukon and that strict punishment be meted out to those involved in the bombing incident.

Sanahanbi warned that if the assurances given by government representatives to the villagers during a meeting held on Monday are not implemented at the earliest, the protest would continue indefinitely.

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