A low-intensity explosion took place outside the residence of Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader Keisham Meghachandra Singh in Yairipok Bishnunaha, Thoubal district, on Thursday evening, authorities and media reports said. The device was identified as a hand grenade and the incident occurred at about 8:15 pm, according to reporting.
What happened
Local media accounts and police sources reported that the blast was triggered near the western gate of the MLA’s home in the Wangkhem Assembly constituency. There were no injuries among residents or security personnel, and no structural damage beyond the immediate site was publicly reported.
Manipur police have carried out a preliminary inspection of the scene and a forensic team has been deployed to collect evidence, the reports added. Officials have not yet disclosed the identity of the person or persons responsible for the attack, nor any confirmed motive.
Official responses and local reaction
Chief Minister Y. Khemchand Singh condemned the incident and directed the police to undertake a comprehensive investigation, the Chief Minister’s Office said in a post on X. The CMO described such acts against elected representatives as unacceptable and said the perpetrators must be brought to justice.
“Such acts of violence against elected representatives are unacceptable and will not be tolerated,” the Chief Minister’s Office wrote on X, according to reports.
The Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) described the blast as a serious attack on democratic processes and urged swift action. In a social-media response reported by news outlets, the party criticised what it said were efforts to portray the situation in the state as normal while incidents of violence continue.
Local civil society actors, including the women’s group Meira Paibi of Yairipok Bishnunaha, issued a statement condemning the explosion. Following the incident, residents staged a sit-in near the MLA’s residence to protest the attack and to express solidarity with the family, according to reporting.
Investigation under way
Police sources told media that a forensic team has begun evidence collection and that investigators are analysing the site to determine the explosive’s source and method of delivery. No arrests have been announced and no organisation has claimed responsibility for the attack, reports said.
Authorities are expected to review CCTV footage from the area and to question neighbours and witnesses as part of the inquiry. The nature of the explosive - a hand grenade - prompted deployment of specialists and a cordon around the scene until the initial forensic work was completed.
Context and implications
The attack on a politician’s private residence heightens concerns about the security environment in parts of Manipur. While the immediate incident did not result in physical harm, it raises questions about the safety of public representatives and the potential for targeted violence to disturb civic life. Political parties and local organisations have called for a prompt and transparent probe.
Observers said that investigations will need to establish whether the attack was politically motivated, aimed at intimidation, or linked to other local disputes. Until police release findings, motive and perpetrator identity remain unconfirmed.
- Date & time: Thursday evening, around 8:15 pm
- Location: Yairipok Bishnunaha, Wangkhem Assembly constituency, Thoubal
- Explosive: Hand grenade (reported)
- Casualties: None reported
- Action: Forensic examination and police probe ordered by CM
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Victim | Keisham Meghachandra Singh, Congress Legislature Party leader, MLA |
| District | Thoubal |
| Reported weapon | Hand grenade |
| Injuries | None reported |
Investigators have appealed to anyone with information to come forward. The police have not released further operational details pending the inquiry. Media reports indicate tensions in the locality following the blast, but no further disturbances were reported up to the publication of those accounts.
The incident adds to a sequence of security challenges that local authorities must address while balancing investigation imperatives with maintaining public order. Officials have reiterated that the probe will be thorough and that those found responsible will face legal action.
