Lahore, November 05 2008: THE detonation of a powerful explosion sparked panic in the city of Imphal, Manipur's capital, where according to official sources, a bomb went of around 8 p.m.near Police commando complex.

At least 15 people were killed and 18 injured on 21 October 2008 evening.

A day earlier, a bomb exploded close to Chief Minister Ibobi Singh's heavily fortified residence but there were no casualties.

A caller claiming to be a member of the People's Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK), a separatist group, that has been fighting for the independence of the State for more than three decades.

The reports further added that the cadres of the Cobra Task Force carried out Sunday's blast, but no one has yet accepted the responsibility for second one.

This was the biggest bomb attack despite the area being heavily guarded.

According to the reports, the militants raided the place where security personnel and civilians were gambling ahead of the Diwali.

Tiny Manipur state is home to some 29 tribes including Meiteis roughly estimated 53 percent of its total 2.4 million populations.

Despite being Hindus, these Meiteis claim themselves different in practicing their religion whereby they who do not believe in polarization of the society on caste considerations.

There are roughly 13 active freedom fighter groups currently operating in the state.

According to the Manipuris, they had never been slaves to any imperial rule since 16 A.D In 18th century Maharaja Bhagya Chandra unified the entire valley under his rule although Burmese invasion were a regular feature.

In 1826, Treaty of Yandabu was signed and the area fell under British control and was accorded the status of a princely state in 1891 .