4 women workers hurt in bomb attack at stone crushing site
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, May 05 2014: At least four women labourers were wounded, two of them seriously, when suspected armed PREPAK insurgents triggered an explosion at a stone crushing site in Kiyam Siphai under Thoubal Police Station in Thoubal district on Monday.

Sources said the blast occurred around 4:30 am.

The explosion was caused by a powerful bomb planted by the suspected armed cadres of the proscribed PREPAK.

Sources said that the insurgent group attacked the stone crusher after its proprietor refused to pay ransom amount demanded to the outfit.

Assam Rifles personnel and police rushed to the site soon after receiving information about the blast.

Police said the bomb exploded minutes after 22 labourers, including 18 women labourers started their day's work early in the morning.

Bomb attack at stone crushing site

The four women who were wounded and are currently undergoing treatment at RIMS hospital here have been identified as Th Kamala (41), wife of Th Ingocha from Tangjeng Heibong Leirak; S Sana (40), wife of late S Inaobi of Thoubal Sabaltongba Awang Leikai, L Pakpi (40), wife of L Chourajit and L Thamcha (30), wife of late L Romi, both from Kiyam Siphai Khundongbam Leikai.

Pakpi and Thamcha were discharged from the hospital after receiving first aid, but Sana and Kamala are now undergoing treatment as they sustained grievous wounds in the explosion.

Reports said the stone crusher is owned by two individuals, namely O Helmet (35), a resident of Kiyam Siphai and Pangabam Ibochou (40), a native of Waithou Sangomshang.

Earlier, PREPAK issued a monetary demand of Rs 30, 000 to the owners in 2012 and another ransom amount of Rs 40, 000 was demanded from them by the outfit later this year in March, according to family sources.

However, no monetary demands were paid to the outfit by the duo, they said.

Meanwhile, Youth Sporting Club, Khundongbam Leikai, Khong Ahanbi Youth Association and Kiyam Siphai Khong Ahanbi Nupi Marup have condemned the Monday's blast at the stone crushing site at Kiyam Siphai and appealed to all concerned to ensure such inhumane attacks are not repeated in future.

They also urged the State Government provide monetary assistance to the victims.