Fuel outlet bomb blast accused among three arrested in Manipur

GUWAHATI

Security forces in Manipur arrested three extremists, including a member of a banned group accused of bombing a fuel outlet in the State’s Bishnupur district on January 8, officials said on Tuesday (January 13, 2026).

Arrested from Imphal West and Kakching districts, the three are members of armed groups Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL) and People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak.

The police identified Hikam Manichandra Singh, a 35-year-old member of the KYKL, as the prime suspect in the bomb attack. “We have identified a few accomplices and are trying to catch them,” a senior police officer said.

He said two persons riding a two-wheeler had hurled the bomb at the fuel outlet on January 8. No one was injured, but the blast damaged the fuel station.

Fuel dealers said the bomb attack and similar incidents earlier were linked to extortion by the banned groups. The Manipur Petroleum Dealers’ Fraternity protested such attacks by shutting its outlets from January 10. The fuel outlets reopened at noon on Tuesday (January 13).

The fraternity also petitioned Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, demanding adequate security at fuel outlets and for their staff.