Imphal, December 17: A Maruti van stationed in front of the Singjamei Chirom Leikai residential gate of Heikrujam Jiten, who is the EE of PWD, NH-No-II has been damaged when unidentified gunmen hurled and exploded a hand grenade at around 6.15 pm today.

The proscribed outfit KCP, later in the evening claimed responsibility for the grenade attack.

The registration number of the ill-fated Maruti Van is MN-04/2731.The owner of the Van has been identified as one H Prakash.

It is said to be engaged for ferrying school children.

Two tyres on the right side have been punctured and the side glasses smashed by the impact of the explosion.

According to EE Jiten, there is no instances of monetary demand being served on him by any underground organisation but he is aware of the spat over the collection of toll tax along the National Highway 39 near Lilong bridge between the proscribed outfits KCP and PLA.

Meanwhile, chief commander of KCP's mobile task force, City Meitei claimed that the grenade attack was carried out by KCP as a warning to the PWD.

He also warned that KCP might be constraint to target employees of the Department in case the 'matter' is not resolved satisfactorily.