An unidentified person attempted a grenade attack at the residence of an Air India cargo service manager in Manipur’s Imphal East district
May 23, 2026: An unidentified person on Saturday allegedly hurled a grenade at the residence of Air India cargo service manager Thokchom Brojen in Bashikhong area of Imphal East district in Manipur. According to police, the attack took place around 1.42 am, but the grenade failed to explode. CCTV footage reportedly captured the incident. A bomb disposal squad later reached the location, safely defused the explosive and disposed of it at Kalika hills. Police confirmed that the device was a 36-HE grenade and registered a case for further investigation.
The latest incident is the third attack targeting airline cargo establishments in the state within a month. Earlier on May 3, an underground outfit identified as the Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP) claimed responsibility for an improvised explosive device (IED) blast outside Imphal International Airport. The outfit said the attack targeted the airport’s cargo terminal and warned airline authorities against alleged smuggling of tobacco and liquor through cargo services. On May 11, another bomb was thrown at the residence of an IndiGo airline manager in Imphal East, although it also failed to explode.
The attacks come amid continuing unrest in Manipur following ethnic violence that began in May 2023 between the Kuki-Zo and Meitei communities, leaving over 260 people dead and thousands displaced. In recent months, tensions have also escalated between Kuki-Zo and Tangkhul Naga groups. Violence intensified further after twin ambush attacks in Kangpokpi and Noney districts killed four civilians, including three church leaders, earlier this month.