Ethnic strife morphs into naked terrorism
IED fitted Scorpio explodes, 3 kids hurt
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal/Moirang, June 21 2023:
At least one minor and two teenagers sustained grievous injuries as a high intensity IED fitted in a Mahindra Scorpio blew up next to a bridge connecting Kwakta and Phougakchao Ikhai along Tiddim Road in Bishnupur today at around 7.30 pm.
The injured have been identified as Md Mustak, s/o Ibela (15) of Kwakta, Afad (7), s/o Salao, Kwakta Ward no 7 and Yunus (18), s/o Iboton of Kwakta Ward number 8 .
According to witnesses, the people who parked the Scorpio near the bridge were seen fleeing towards Gorthon by passing through Kwakta Ward no 8 in an Alto car.
Reportedly, the 7 year minor got eye injuries and he has been admitted to Community Health Centre at Moirang while the two teenagers have been admitted to Moirang Community Health Centre at the time of filing this report.
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Sources said that the bomb might have been planted to destroy the bridge and disrupt the movement of the Army and State forces.
It is reported that a gun attack was launched from the side of a bunker built by Kuki militants in the western side of Phougakchao Ikhai Awang Maning Leikai moments after the IED exploded but the security personnel in the area didn't retaliate.
Speaking to media persons, one of the locals said that they used to gather at the site of the explosion to protest against the attack on civilians.
Saying that they didn't gather today due to certain restrictions placed by the Government, he added that the figure of casualties could have been much higher had they gathered as the bomb was very powerful.
He said that the bomb might have been planted by Kuki militants to hinder the movement of Central and State security forces.
According to our Moirang correspondent, the engine of the SUV flew about 50 metre from the site of explosion and fell on the street while the vehicle has been charred beyond repair.
It is further reported that the western portion of the bridge (about 4 feet) also got damaged in the explosion.
AMMOCOC (All Manipur Muslim Organisations Coordinating Committee) president SM Jalal has condemned the attack.