Scooter fitted bomb rocks 2nd MR complex, two hurt
KCP (MC) claims responsibility, asserts bomb triggered by Special Demo Team
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 16 2009: Cocking a snook at all the enhanced security measures taken up by the Government in the last few months, a powerful bomb exploded at the gate of 2nd Bn Manipur Rifles complex here at about 9.30 am today.

The bomb was fitted in a scooter (Chetak).

Besides injuring two persons, some portions of the 6th MR canteen was also damaged by the blast.

Policemen with the remains of the bomb fitted scooter, the damaged part of the canteen, liquor bottles from the canteen

The powerful blast inside the 2nd MR complex which is guarded round the clock by their own men has raised a very serious question on the efficacy of the security measures taken up by the State Home Department.

The bomb exploded at the southern gate of 2nd MR complex.

Incidentally the spot is very close to 6th MR canteen, office of the Manipur Police Housing Corporation, commando complex as well as to the office of the Central Motor Transport.

Moreover, there are several Government offices and institutions in the neighbourhood.

The powerful explosion rocked shops and houses located within a 100 feet diameter.

One Ranjit who stays in the neighbourhood in rented rooms said that they realised that the thunderous sound was a bomb explosion only when they came out of their rooms.

By then people were running helter-skelter presenting a chaotic scene.

One Akoijam Sunibala (33) and Paolun Kamei (55) of Keithelmanbi Namching sustained injuries in the explosion.

Sunibala was in her PCO beyond the 2nd MR gate while Paolun Kamei, a grade-IV employee in Manipur Police Housing Corporation was having tea in a hotel.

Sunibala was hit by shrapnels on her left calf.

She was taken to JN Hospital.

Paolun Kamei sustained shrapnel injury on the right thigh.

He was treated at 2nd MR unit hospital.

It is reported that the two are out of danger.

The explosion dug up a hole about one foot in depth.

Besides damaging doors and windows of the 6th MR canteen located 10 feet away, some portions of the roof were also damaged.

Moreover, huge damage was caused to the goods and articles kept inside the canteen.

At the time of explosion, there were two salesmen inside the canteen though the canteen was not yet opened.

The canteen is being run by one Agarwal.

Imphal police have collected several remains of the scooter in which the explosive was fitted.

They also seized all the liquor kept in the canteen.