Imphal, Jan 6 (NationPress) The government of Manipur has transferred the investigation into a recent incident involving two individuals, including a woman, injured in a pair of explosions in Bishnupur district, to the National Investigation Agency (NIA), as reported by officials on Tuesday.

A police representative indicated that the case concerning the dual explosions on Monday, caused by locally crafted Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), has been referred to the NIA for a thorough inquiry.

Senior police officials, including an Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the Superintendent of Police for Bishnupur district, inspected the blast locations to assess the current situation.

Search and combing operations were conducted in surrounding areas for the second consecutive day on Tuesday to capture the culprits.

In light of the situation, security measures have been intensified with the deployment of additional forces to avert any further incidents of violence. Investigative and operational activities are ongoing to identify and apprehend those accountable for the explosions, the official mentioned.

On Monday, an IED detonated at an abandoned residence in Ngaukon village under the jurisdiction of the Phougakchao Ikhai police station. The family residing there is currently taking shelter in a relief camp at Keibul Lamjao due to ongoing ethnic violence that began in Manipur in May 2023.

The second explosion took place approximately 200 meters from the first incident as villagers congregated at the scene following the initial blast. Two individuals, identified as Soibam Sanatomba Singh (52) and Nongthobam Indubala Devi (37), sustained injuries from debris and were transported to a government hospital, with their injuries reported as not serious.

Immediately following the explosions, security personnel, led by senior police officials, initiated a combing operation to apprehend those behind the IED blasts.

An angry mob also vandalized a makeshift security bunker nearby, blaming security forces for their inability to prevent the explosions and capture those responsible.

Security forces, including both central and state agencies, are conducting extensive operations against militants, with search missions and area domination initiatives ongoing in mixed-population and vulnerable districts.

A total of 114 checkpoints have been set up throughout Manipur, spanning both valley and hill districts, to limit the movement of illegal activities and suspicious vehicles.

Additionally, security forces are providing escorts to vehicles, including trucks transporting essential goods, along the Imphal-Jiribam National Highway (NH-37). Stringent security protocols and convoy protection are in effect in sensitive areas to ensure the safe passage of vehicles.