Imphal, November 13: A powerful bomb blast at the heart of the State capital that wounded sixteen persons dampened the Ningol Chakkouba spirit as several numbers of people who came to purchase goods for the important festival had scurry home amidst tremendous commotion.

The persons who sustained injuries due to the blast that occurred at around 3.25 pm near the traffic point of the western gate of Kangla Fort have been admitted at RIMS and JN hospitals.

According to eye witnesses' account and details provided by the injured person the blast occurred within seconds of three security vehicles passed the incident spot.

The security vehicles are informed to have proceeded from Raj Bhavan side along the normally congested national highway.

The traffic congestion was even greater with traffic authorities restricting entry of vehicles at the commercial areas beyond certain points which also included the blast incident site.

Moments after the blast said to be grenade explosion the security force vehicle is alleged to have pushed the accelerator rather than halt and initiate necessary action as is normal procedures of law enforcing agencies.

When festival shoppers returned to the markets in late afternoon State forces conducted combing operations at the commercial areas said to be connected with the blast.

There, however, is no report of any arrest.

Rejecting theories of hand of security agencies in the bomb blast as rumored in various circles, State DGP AK Parashar appealed to the people against spreading rumors that could aggravate the situation.

Informing that investigation has been ordered with immediate effect, the police chief said all those found guilty of the criminal act would be punished sternly as the Government take serious note of the incident especially in the backdrop of the Prime Minister's visit.

Without taking names, the DGP said the explosion could not have been done intentionally as all are aware of significance of Ningol Chakkouba festival.

Out of the injured persons, identities of six being treated at JN Hospital have been established as Mangsatabam Momon (52) of Khurai Nandeibam Leikai and his 40 year old wife Heitonbi, Nameirakpam Kerani (50) of Haobam Marak Irom Leikai and his sons Sanahal (13) and Leisemba (8) and Ngangbam Inaocha (53) from Thangmeiband Lairenhanjaba Leikai.

M Heitonbi received wounds at the arms, Momon on the right cheek and legs, Sanahal on the chest, Kerani on the chest, side back and legs, Leisemba on the right leg and arm while Inaocha suffered injury at the right wrist.

Those admitted at RIMS have been identified as Md Abungton (18) of Khomidok Umang Leikai.

Md Abibur Rahman (20) of Mayang Imphal Tolatabi, Laishram Sunder (19) - Langthabal Kunja Awang Leikai, Khumukcham Subeda (29) - opposite to ABC India Limited (Khoyathong), Sorokhaibam Nikola (30) of Singjamei Mayengbam Leikai, Md Daulat Khan (34) of Khabeisoi, Y Meghajit (60) of Wangkhei Meihoubam, Nepal Choudhury (40) of UP, Nongmaithem Krishnamohan (38) of Palace Gate and Dikarani (18) of Keishamthong.

Md Abungton suffered injury at the right leg, Abibur at the left leg, Sunder at left arm, Subeda at let thigh, Nikola on the face, Daulat at forehead, Meghajit at the left leg, and head, Nepal Choudhury at upper thigh and Krishnamohan at cheek.

Dikarani is said to have lost consciousness due to impact of the blast.

Preliminary spot inquiry conducted by police personnel came to light that the grenade is Chinese made.

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