Manipur Violence: Deadly Blast Rocks College Campus in India’s North East State

The incident comes amid ongoing clashes between the majority Meitei and minority Kuki communities in Manipur over economic benefits and tribal quotas.

One person was killed and another injured in a bomb explosion that rocked a college campus in Imphal, the capital city of Manipur state in northeastern India, on Friday night, according to security officials.

The improvised explosive device (IED) detonated within the premises of DM College campus, causing fatal consequences and leaving another individual wounded. Authorities have not attributed responsibility for the blast to any particular group as of now.

A security official stated, “The IED exploded within the college campus, resulting in one casualty and another individual requiring medical attention.”

Manipur has been embroiled in violent clashes since last May, primarily between the majority Meitei community and the minority Kuki community, over issues concerning the distribution of economic benefits and tribal quotas. The conflict has claimed nearly 200 lives, exacerbating tensions within the region.

Imphal, predominantly inhabited by the Meitei community, has witnessed numerous instances of unrest since the onset of the conflict. The explosion occurred within the premises of the All Manipur Students’ Union (AMSU) office, situated at the DM University campus in Imphal West district.

Both injured individuals were promptly transported to a nearby hospital, where unfortunately, one succumbed to their injuries, as per officials.

In a separate incident later that night, around 1 a.m. (1930 GMT), the office of the United Committee Manipur, a civil society organization advocating for Meitei interests, was set ablaze.

Efforts to reach the superintendent of police, the highest-ranking police official for Imphal West district, for further comments were unsuccessful at the time of reporting.

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