Former MLA’s wife killed in bomb explosion in Manipur

IMPHAL — A woman has died following a bomb explosion in Ekou Mulam village, Kangpokpi district, Manipur. The deceased has been identified as 59-year-old Charubala, wife of former MLA Yamthong Haokip.

According to police sources, the incident occurred around 3:00 pm on August 10 while the Haokip family was cleaning waste at their residence. The explosion, suspected to have been caused by a locally made improvised explosive device (IED), happened when the waste materials were burned.

Charubala sustained serious injuries in the blast and was rushed to a nearby health centre but succumbed to her injuries later that night. Her husband and other family members escaped unharmed, according to sources.

Police are investigating the incident but have not yet determined the motive behind the explosion.

In a complaint filed with Saikul Police Station, Haokip requested an on-site investigation to ascertain the type of explosive material involved.

Haokip represented the Saikul assembly constituency in Kangpokpi district, winning elections in 2012 and 2017 on Congress tickets. He contested the 2022 assembly elections as a BJP candidate but lost.