Bomb blasts, attacks rob sheen off I-Day celebration
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 16 2013 : While two bomb blasts at Imphal partially removed the sheen of Independence Day celebration yesterday, if not all, suspected rebels attacked Assam Rifles troops at two different places of Chandel district this morning.

According to information culled from the spot, final rounds of preparations were made being for the Independence Day celebration amid tight security arrangement when a bomb exploded at around 8.15 am in front of the row of furniture houses located at Yaiskul, just a few metres away from 1st MR parade ground where the main function was being held.

Though there was no casualty, the impact of the blast was felt at the parade ground.

Imphal West Police immediately rushed to the spot.

In addition to inspecting the blast site, around 10 individuals were detained for verification.

Cops inspecting blast site

Not long after the official celebration came to an end, another bomb exploded in front of DIC office along Imphal East DC Road, Porompat at about 4.05 pm.

This time too, none was hurt.

In view of the general strike called on August 15 by CorCom, security measures in and around Imphal was tightened to the maximum level.

On the eve of Independence Day, another bomb exploded near City Convention Centre, Palace Compound in the night of August 14 .

This was preceded by a bomb blast at the gate of the CM's bungalow in the evening of August 10 and PREPAK(Pro) claimed its hand in the blast.

Meanwhile, suspected rebels attacked troops of 9th Assam Rifles using guns and bombs at T Minou about 10 Kms North East of the border town of Moreh at around 9 am today.

A team of 9th AR had just reached a water source at T Minoi when a bomb already planted there exploded suddenly.

In the next moment, the AR troops came under heavy firing, and they too retaliated immediately.

Although a bullet-proof armoured car (Casper) used by Assam Rifles was damaged partially, there was no report of any casualty on either side.

Before this skirmish, militants attacked the Machi post of 20th Assam Rifles located about 50 Kms North West of Tengnoupal police station in Chandel district at about 1.30 am today.

There is no report of any casualty.

Till the time of filing this story, there is no report of any arrest.