Blast near Raj Bhavan leaves CRPF man, civilian couple injured
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, August 31 2013 : The "high security zone" of Imphal area is still prone to bomb attacks by armed outfits even though a large number of security personnel have been deployed in and around major Government offices and buildings.

Right under the nose of Manipur Police Commandos and CRPF personnel manning the Raj Bhavan, a powerful Improvised Explosive Device (IED) exploded near the southern wall of Raj Bhavan Compound at around 4 pm here today.

The bomb exploded just as a passenger autorickshaw passed the spot.

Four personnel from CRPF 109th Battalion were reportedly conducting a Road Opening Operation (ROP) on foot around the Raj Bhavan when the blast occurred.

Three persons including a couple and a CRPF jawan were injured in the blast, while another boy fainted due to shock wave.

The injured couple has been identified as Oinam Ranjit (60) and his wife Oinam Saya (57) of Keishamthong Elangbam Leikai, while the injured CRPF jawan as Havildar T Joy Singh of 109 Battalion.

The injured woman Oinam Saya is said to be an Assistant Curator at Manipur State Museum.

Blast near Raj Bhavan leaves CRPF man, civilian couple injured

According to the injured couple, they were returning home from the State Museum in their car bearing registration number MN 1K-8573 when the blast took place all of a sudden.

They were injured by the bomb splinters.

Saya sustained injury on her left ear drum, while her husband Ranjit got injured on his left ear.

They were rushed to RIMS Hospital for treatment.

The CRPF jawan also suffered shrapnel injuries in the blast and he was taken to the post for first aid.

On the other hand, the fainted boy has been identified as Mairembam Jetlin (13), s/o Bidyalakshmi of Moirang.

He is staying at the staff quarters of Raj Bhavan.

He said that he and his mother were waiting for an auto rickshaw near the gate of their quarters when the blast occurred.

He fainted as a result of the shockwave, but became conscious later.

The bomb exploded shortly after some vehicles passed through their gate, he added.

According to police sources, the bomb was a remote-controlled Improvised Explosive Device (IED).

Three CRPF personnel were also on duty just few metres away from the blast site.

The explosion created a 2 feet wide crater, according to police.

Manipur Police Commandos and personnel of 109 Battalion CRPF rushed to the spot along with sniffer dogs as soon as the blast occurred and conducted search operation.

However, no suspect has been arrested so far.

High ranking officials of Manipur Police including ADGP (L/O) LM Khaute, IG (L/O) L Kailun, DIG Range-I Clay Khongsai and Imphal West SP K Jayenta also inspected the blast site.

No armed outfit has claimed responsibility for the blast.

It may be noted here that there had been bomb attacks at Raj Bhavan in the past.

In one instance, the attackers managed to drive in a jeep laden with explosives deep inside Raj Bhavan.

However the parked jeep was detected by security personnel in time.

Bomb attacks had also been made at the office cum residence of the Chief Minister Okram Ibobi located a little distance away from Raj Bhavan in the recent past.