Imphal | A suspected hand grenade exploded near the residence of Congress MLA and party Legislature Wing leader Keisham Meghachandra Singh at Bishnunaha in Thoubal district on Thursday night, police said. No casualties were reported. The explosive was allegedly hurled by an unidentified person around 8.15 pm, following which security personnel reached the spot and launched a search operation. The attacker’s identity and motive are yet to be established, officials said.

Police are investigating the incident and examining the circumstances surrounding the blast. Further details on the explosive and any property damage were not immediately available. The incident prompted the Congress on Friday to question the security situation in Manipur, saying the attack raised concerns about the safety of ordinary citizens if the residence of an elected political leader was not secure.

The party criticised the Centre’s handling of the situation, alleging that the ground situation in Manipur was different from the picture of normalcy being projected by the government. The Congress urged the authorities to identify those responsible and take prompt action, saying attacks of this nature should not go unanswered.

It also called for stronger security measures and said people in Manipur were entitled to peace, security and justice. The blast comes amid continuing reports of violence and attacks in parts of Manipur, where security forces remain deployed in vulnerable areas.

No group has so far claimed responsibility for the incident.