Fresh firing and bomb attacks have reignited tension in Manipur&rsquo;s Bishnupur district, days after the government began resettling internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the Torbung and Phougakchao areas. Cross-firing broke out on Tuesday night, triggering panic among newly resettled families and raising fresh questions over security arrangements in the conflict-hit state, which remains under President&rsquo;s Rule.
Police said unknown armed miscreants allegedly fired from the Churachandpur side at Torbung village around 8.30 pm, prompting immediate retaliation by security forces. The exchange, during which bombs were also reportedly used, lasted about 20 minutes. On Wednesday, security teams detected and safely disposed of an unexploded improvised explosive device (IED) in the area. Additional deployments, including state commandos, have since been made at three sensitive locations in Torbung and Phougakchao to prevent further escalation.
Residents described scenes of fear and uncertainty. &ldquo;We were having dinner when firing began, followed by bomb explosions near our homes. We had to flee and take shelter in a safer place,&rdquo; said Torbung resident Oinam Aparna, urging the government to ensure genuine protection for resettled families. Another local, Nobin Chandra, questioned the effectiveness of security forces under President&rsquo;s Rule, saying, &ldquo;We want peace and friendship. If the forces have the power, why do firing and bombings continue?&rdquo;
The incident has sharpened political and ethnic fault lines. The Kuki Zo Council termed the resettlement of Meitei IDPs in the Torbung buffer zone &ldquo;irresponsible and provocative,&rdquo; warning of renewed conflict, while Meitei civil body COCOMI accused Kuki leaders of justifying violence and lodged complaints with the police. Manipur has been gripped by ethnic violence since May 3, 2023, leaving over 260 dead and more than 60,000 displaced. Even as resettlement begins, the latest violence underscores how fragile peace remains.

Firing, bomb attacks hit Torbung IDP resettlement; security stepped up

Fresh Gunfire Shakes Manipur

Firing, bomb attacks hit Torbung IDP resettlement; security stepped up

December 18, 2025 | 02:27 IST