Fresh security concerns have emerged in Imphal after unidentified miscreants hurled a grenade at the residence of an Air India cargo manager in Imphal East district on May 23, marking the third attack targeting airline cargo-linked establishments in the state this month.
According to police officials, the incident occurred around 1:42 am at the residence of Thokchom Brojen at Bashikhong under Irilbung Police Station in Imphal East district. Brojen is the manager of Air India Cargo Services at Imphal International Airport.
Officials said CCTV footage captured unidentified individuals throwing a grenade towards the house. However, the explosive failed to detonate and was found lying near the main gate of the residence.
A team from Irilbung Police Station, assisted by a bomb disposal squad, reached the spot shortly after the incident. The explosive was later identified as a 36-HE grenade.
Bomb disposal experts safely defused the grenade around 9:27 am before disposing of it at Kalika Hills in Imphal East district in accordance with standard operating procedures.
Police have registered a case and launched an investigation to identify those responsible for the attack.
The latest incident comes amid a series of attacks linked to airline cargo operations in Manipur.
Earlier on May 3, an improvised explosive device (IED) exploded outside the cargo terminal area of Imphal International Airport.
The banned militant outfit Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP) later claimed responsibility for that blast, alleging that certain airline cargo operators were facilitating the transportation of tobacco products and liquor through cargo flights. The outfit described the explosion as a “final warning” to cargo operators and airport authorities.
In another incident earlier this month, a grenade was hurled at the residence of an IndiGo Airlines cargo manager at Kongpal Khaidem Leikai in Imphal East district. That explosive device also failed to explode.
Manipur has remained volatile since ethnic violence broke out on May 3, 2023, between Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities, leading to hundreds of deaths and large-scale displacement.
Fresh tensions have escalated in recent weeks following twin ambush incidents in Kangpokpi and Noney districts on May 13, in which four people, including three church leaders and one Naga civilian, lost their lives.
Authorities continue to maintain heightened security vigil across the state amid persistent concerns over law and order.
