The National Investigation Agency (NIA) assumed control of the probe into twin IED blasts in Manipur’s Bishnupur district on January 5, 2026, injuring two civilians—retired CRPF trooper Soibam Sanatomba (51) and Nongthombam Indubala (37)—near an abandoned Meitei house in Nganukon, abandoned since ethnic violence erupted on May 3, 2023. The first explosion struck at 5:45 AM, with the second at 8:45 AM as locals gathered, prompting combing operations, heightened security, and protests including a 24-hour bandh by groups like COCOMI and AMSU, who torched a CRPF bunker alleging lapses. Under President’s Rule since February 2025—post N. Biren Singh’s resignation—this attack near the Churachandpur buffer zone risks reigniting Meitei-Kuki clashes that have killed over 260 and displaced 60,000, demanding robust counter-insurgency to safeguard India’s volatile Northeast frontier.