Imphal : The investigation into the twin blasts that shook Manipur’s Bishnupur district on January 5 has been handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA), officials confirmed on Tuesday, as security agencies intensified efforts to trace those behind the attacks.

Two people were injured in the consecutive explosions at Ngaukon village under the Phougakchao police station area. The first blast, suspected to have been triggered by an improvised explosive device (IED), occurred around 5.45 am at an abandoned house. A second explosion followed nearly three hours later, at around 8.45 am, about 200 metres away, when local residents had gathered after learning about the earlier incident.

Confirming the transfer of the case, Manipur Police said in a statement that the investigation has been formally forwarded to the NIA for further probe. The police said combing and search operations are underway in adjoining areas, while security has been strengthened to prevent any further escalation. Efforts are also being made to identify and apprehend those responsible for the blasts.

According to officials, the house where the first explosion occurred has remained abandoned since ethnic violence erupted in Manipur in May 2023. The owner and his family are currently residing in a relief camp, having fled the area amid the prolonged unrest.

The blasts have further heightened tensions in the state, which has been grappling with sustained violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities. More than 260 people have been killed and thousands displaced since the ethnic clashes began nearly two years ago.

In response to the incident, several organisations, including the Indigenous People Organisation and the All Manipur Students’ Union, have called for a 24-hour statewide shutdown beginning at midnight on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Meitei civil body Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) has demanded an immediate, transparent and time-bound investigation into the blasts.

Manipur has been under President’s Rule since February 2025, following the resignation of former Chief Minister N Biren Singh amid mounting criticism over his government’s handling of the ethnic violence.

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