24 hours before Modi's arrival : 11 year old killed in IED blast
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 29 2014 :
A powerful IED blast at Lilong Sagol Loukon (paddy fields) near 40 Assam Rifles post in Thouabl district killed an 11 year old boy this morning.
According to information culled from the spot, the improvised explosive device exploded about 200 metres West of the AR post at around 9.35 am.
Incidentally, Lilong police station is also located just beside the AR post.
The boy killed in the IED blast has been identified as Md Wahajuddin s/o Md Hafazuddin of Lilong Turel Ahanbi Mathak Leikai.
Family members said that Wahajuddin went out in the morning to collect left out paddy stalks.
It is suspected that the boy accidentally stepped on the IED which was planted there and covered by straw.
Later, a police team led by Thoubal Additional SP Dr Sarangthem Ibomcha came to the spot and cordoned off the area in case any more explosives were still present.
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With the arrival of a bomb disposal squad, a search operation was conducted in and around the area.
After it was confirmed that no more explosives were present in the area, a team of Forensic Science experts investigated the blast site.
Meanwhile, taking strong exception to the fatal bomb blast, local people blocked Imphal-Moreh highway at Lilong-Arapti junction this afternoon.
One religious leader alleged that no UG element was present in Lilong area and that Assam Rifles posted there was responsible for the bomb blast.
Assam Rifles prohibit civilians from accessing the paddy fields after 4 in the afternoon.
There were many instances where Assam Rifles disturbed the peaceful atmosphere and tranquillity of the are.
For all these reasons, the AR post should be shifted away at the earliest, said the religious man.
On the other hand, the All Manipur Muslim Organisations Co-ordinating Committee organisation secretary Abdul Qayum has condemned the bomb blast in the strongest terms.
He also conveyed solidarity to the bereaved family.
He also questioned how such a powerful bomb exploded just 200 metres away from the AR post in the periphery of the paddy field where civilians are denied access.
The road blockade was lifted after an understanding was reached between the protesters and Agriculture Minister Abdul Nasir.
Abdul Nasir reportedly assured the protesters that ex-gratia of Rs five lakh would be given to the family of the deceased victim in addition to other benefits.
Police have picked up and deposited Wahajuddin's corpse at JNIMS morgue.