Tragic Explosion Claims Life of Former Kuki MLA’s Wife in Manipur’s Violence-Affected Kangpokpi District
News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/11th August 2024
In a tragic incident in the conflict-ridden region of Manipur, Charubala Haokip, the wife of former Saikul MLA Yamthong Haokip, lost her life due to a bomb explosion at their residence in the Kangpokpi district. The incident, which occurred on Saturday afternoon, has left the community in shock, especially amid the ongoing violence in the area.
Charubala, aged 59, hailed from the Meitei community and was residing in Ekou Mulam within the Kuki-Zomi-dominated Kangpokpi district. Her husband, Yamthong Haokip, a prominent political figure, had won the Saikul seat in the Manipur Legislative Assembly twice, first in 2012 and again in 2017, both times as a Congress candidate. However, ahead of the 2022 Assembly elections, he switched allegiances to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), marking a significant political shift.
According to police reports, the explosion occurred around 3 p.m. on Saturday but was only reported to the authorities later. A police officer from Kangpokpi district revealed that a locally manufactured improvised explosive device (IED) had been placed among waste materials at the Haokip residence. Tragically, when Charubala attempted to burn the waste, the hidden device detonated, causing her death. Fortunately, no other individuals were injured or killed in the explosion.
As of Sunday morning, no arrests had been made in connection with the incident, and the police are actively investigating the matter. The authorities suspect that the explosion may have been the result of a family dispute, possibly linked to a land purchase made by the former MLA. It is believed that Yamthong Haokip had bought land adjacent to that of one of his uncle’s grandsons, which led to a disagreement. The police are looking into this angle as they continue their investigation.
This tragic event has further fueled the already heightened tensions in Manipur, a state that has been grappling with ongoing violence and unrest. The loss of Charubala Haokip has sent shockwaves through the community, underscoring the precarious nature of life in the violence-hit region. The incident also highlights the dangers posed by homemade explosives and the devastating impact they can have on innocent lives.
As the investigation unfolds, the community is left to mourn the loss of Charubala, while questions surrounding the motive and perpetrators of this heinous act remain unanswered. The police are urging anyone with information related to the incident to come forward, as they work to bring those responsible to justice.
In the meantime, the people of Manipur continue to live under the shadow of violence, with incidents like this serving as a stark reminder of the need for peace and stability in the region. The tragic death of Charubala Haokip adds to the growing list of casualties in Manipur, a state that yearns for an end to the cycle of violence that has plagued it for far too long.
