Multiple blasts rock Manipur ahead of R-Day; Security tightened
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, January 21 2015: In spite of the tight security measures put in place ahead of the Republic Day celebration, which falls on January 26; bomb blasts in different parts rocked the State on Wednesday.

Coincidentally, all these blasts have occurred just a day after a group of UG groups announced their decision to boycott the Republic Day celebration. Right in the heart of the capital city, Imphal here, a powerful bomb planted by suspected armed miscreants exploded near a crematorium along the Naga River opposite to Nagamapal Singjubung Leirak in Imphal West district around 11 am.

Though no one was hurt in the incident, the roof of a shed built inside the crematorium complex was shattered in the blast.

Multiple blasts rock Manipur ahead of R-Day

A woman vegetable seller identified as Khuraijam (o) Omita (40) of Nachou Mayai Leikai, who was inside a public toilet located nearby the crematorium fainted on hearing the loud blast.

Another woman namely Yumkhaibam Ibemcha of Toubul, who was also inside the toilet when the blast took place, complained of impairment in hearing caused by loud sound of the blast.

She is currently undergoing treatment at RIMS Hospital.

Just after the bomb believed to be an IED went off, women vendors at Khwairamband Market including passersby ran helter-skelter for cover in fear.

Shortly after the explosion, a team of security forces including SP Imphal West, OC and IK Muivah, DIG (Range I) arrived to inspect the site.

Singjubung Youths Organization has strongly condemned the blast and appealed to all concerned not to repeat such deadly act in future.

On the other hand, unidentified armed miscreants exploded three powerful bombs in succession near a temporary shed used by workers of BRTF at T Minou Village, around 12-km from Moreh Police Station in Chandel district on Wednesday around 6.25 am.

Fortunately, no one was killed or hurt in the triple attacks.

According to a BRTF worker, the three powerful bombs went off one after another while they were staying in the kitchen.

The first bomb exploded near a water tank stationed nearby a gorge.

The second blast followed near a generator which is used to pump water for workers of BRTF and the third bomb went off near a generator placed near Iran Bridge, around 150 meters away from the camp of 9 Assam Rifles.

It is said that normally personnel of 9 AR used to come near the shed to fetch water in morning.

Casualties could have been inflicted if they had come at the area when the blasts took place, the sources said.

On hearing news of the blasts, CO of 9 AR staying at Moreh came to take stock of the situation.