Bomb Explodes Near Imphal Airport Cargo Terminal, No Casualties

A bomb explosion near Imphal Airport on Sunday coincided with the third anniversary of the ethnic conflict in Manipur, raising fresh security concerns though no casualties or property damage were reported.

The blast occurred around 11:50–11:55 am at a crematorium in Malom, under Singjamei police station, located between the airport’s cargo terminal and a Territorial Army camp . Preliminary reports indicate the device was likely an improvised explosive device (IED) or grenade , placed in a highly sensitive zone near both civilian and military facilities.

Investigators have obtained crucial CCTV footage , which shows an unidentified suspect planting the explosive around 11:34 am before fleeing on a scooter towards Bishnupur district. A case has been registered, and security agencies are working to trace the individual and map the escape route.

The banned Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP) claimed responsibility, stating it used a “smart IED” to protest frequent bandhs, blockades and disruptions affecting daily life.

Security forces swiftly cordoned off the area, and senior police officials reached the site soon after the explosion, intensifying surveillance due to the strategic location.

The incident comes amid renewed tensions as Manipur marks three years since violence erupted on May 3, 2023, following a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’. The prolonged conflict between Meitei and Kuki communities has left over 260 people dead, displaced thousands, and continues to see sporadic incidents, including recent bomb attacks and protests.

Separately, public rallies and appeals for justice by families of missing persons underline unresolved grievances, highlighting the fragile security situation despite political changes in the state.