3 killed, 21 hurt in blast at commercial hub
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, March 11 2015: At least three persons were killed at the spot and 21 others injured when a powerful bomb exploded inside the crowded temporary market shed of Khwairamband Keithel here this evening.

Reports culled from the spot said a powerful bomb, suspected to be an IED, exploded at around 5.55 pm at chicken centres inside the temporary market shed of Khwairamband Keithel.

Most of the victims were labourers, poultry traders and vegetable vendors.

Dy Chief Minister Gaikhangam meanwhile termed the incident as a 'beastly act' perpetrated by thoughtless individuals.

The deceased are Mithun Kumar Yadav (29) s/o Gulam of Bihar and staying at Thangal Bazar; Salman Khan (20) s/o Islamuddin of Kshetri Bengoon Awang Leikai.

The identity of the third dead victim is yet to be established.

Salman Khan, a salesman at a shop was returning home via the route when the blast occurred.

The tea stall where the blast occurred

Top police officials including Clay Khongsai, IGP and Dr AK Jhaljit, SP (Imphal West) rushed to the spot to take stock of the situation.

Explosive expert teams of the police launched a search in and around the blast site.

Meanwhile, Dy CM Gaikhangam visited the injured victims at RIMS hospital.

He was accompanied by PHE Minister I Hemochandra, MLA RK Anand and DGP Shahid Ahmad.

Speaking to reporters, Gaikhangam said it was a very unfortunate and shameful act to target daily wage earners and labourers.

If at all the perpetrators dare, they should attack combatant counterparts.

Such thoughtless act would bring no solution, he said.

The Dy CM said that the time is now ripe for the people to start a movement against such anti-social activities.

Saying that violence has no place in society, he urged the people to join hands for development and peace.

He also urged all concerned to collectively fight against such anti-social elements.

Replying to a query, Gaikhangam said all possible security measures have been taken up and the Govt will tighten security measures.

He also said that possible assistance will be provided to the victims.

The injured victims are Ram Sagar Shah (30) s/o Manger of Bihar (now staying at Paona Bazar); Mamta Begum (40) w/o Yasub Khan of Kairang; Sitara Begum (50) of Oinam Sawombung; Md Fakiruddin (31) s/o Nijamuddin of Sangaiyumpham; Meenakhatur Begum (45) w/o (L) Taib Ali of Kairang; Basirane Begum (35) d/o Fazaruddin of Sangaiyumpham; Imran Khan (21) s/o Alauddin of Lilong Kaleikhong; Md Akbar (45) s/o Gani of Khabeisoi; Pankaj Yadav (25) s/o Bana of Bihar (now staying at BT Road); Md Maniruddin (42) of Kairang; Soibam Jugeshore (38) s/o Jana of Tera Sapam Leirak; Medha Devi (50) w/o Boy of Kwakeithel Moirangpurel; Rajiv Yadav (30) of Bihar; Pramod Yadav (30) of Bihar; Moirangthem Thaba (32) d/o (L) Manihar of Tentha; Sorokhaibam Biren (47) s/o Khamba of Heingang Makha Leikai; Thangjam (O) Chandani (46) w/o Dwijamani of Lamdeng Makha Leikai; Thounaojam (O) Pushpa (45) w/o Ibomcha of Tera Sapam Leirak; Thounaojam Ibomcha (50) s/o (L) Lukhoi of Tera Sapam Leirak; Phundreibam (O) Nungshi (51) w/o Dinesh of Wabagai and Laishram Ito (55) s/o (L) Apabai of Sagolmang Wakhong.

All of them received splinter injuries.

They were taken to Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) Hospital for treatment, where condition of some was stated to be serious.

No individual or group has claimed responsibility for the blast so far.