Manipur violence remains on edge, Army releases 12 militants after standoff with women-led forces | Top updates
3 min read 25 Jun 2023, 07:59 AM ISTThe National Investigation Agency has taken over the investigation into an explosion in Manipur's Kwakta village, suspected to have been caused by insurgents. The explosion occurred on June 21, damaging a bridge and injuring three boys.
PremiumThe investigation into an explosion in Kwakta village in Bishnupur district earlier this week has been handed over to the National Investigation Agency as the involvement of insurgents “is highly suspected", said Manipur Police on Saturday.
In an official statement, Manipur Police said, “Since the involvement of insurgents operating in the state and across the border in the above-mentioned case is highly suspected, the case is being transferred to NIA (National Investigation Agency) in the interest of National Security."
An explosion took place in an SUV over a bridge located at the adjoining area of Phougakhegao Ikhai Awang Leikai and Kwakta along Tiddim Road on June 21. A case was registered at Phougakchao Ikhai police station under relevant sections of the IPC, Explosive Substances Act, and PDPP Act.
Here are top updates on Manipur violence
1) Union Home Minister Amit Shah conducted an all-party meeting on Saturday and the blast case in the state was transferred to National Investigation Agency.
2) The explosive was fitted inside one four-wheeler vehicle Mahindra Scorpio which was parked over the bridge by unknown miscreants. Following the blast, some portion of the bridge on the Western side got badly damaged by the blast and three boys sustained minor injuries.
3) Shah said that 36000 security personnel were deployed in Manipur, 40 IPS officers were sent and essential supplies including medicines have been ensured.
4) “We expressed our concern about the incidents that are going on in Manipur for the past more than 50 days. The Home Minister just listened to every one of us. And he said that he is looking after it and said trust me. I'll restore peace," DMK MP Tiruchi Siva said after the meeting.
5) Manoj Jha, RJD MP said, “It was an open discussion. The entire opposition went to the extent of saying that the person heading the administration of Manipur is not trustworthy...we can't have peace in Manipur till he is in charge…"
6) Congress on Saturday demanded the removal of Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh over the violence that has hit the state for over a month, saying "peace is not possible in the state under him".
7) Former Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh presented an eight-point charter of demands at the all-party mean which mentioned the immediate removal of incumbent CM Biren Singh.
8) Security forces also launched an operation acting on specific intelligence, in village Itham in Imphal East district on 24th June. The operation resulted in the apprehension of 12 KYKL cadres along with arms, ammunition and war-like stores, ANI reported.
9) Self-Styled Lt Col Moirangthem Tamba alias Uttam was positively identified. He was the mastermind of ambush on 6th battalion of the DOGRA case in 2015, was amongst the apprehended cadres, said PRO (Defence), Kohima & Imphal.
10) Over 4,000 houses have been attacked and destroyed, 60,000 people have been displaced and internet services suspended across the state for over 50 days. Apart from this, as many as 250 churches and 17 temples have been burned, damaged, and destroyed by mobs on a rampage.
(With inputs from agencies)
