Blasts mar Independence Day celebrations
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 16, 2012: Independence Day celebration in the State was marred by multiple bomb explosions at four different places yesterday leaving four people with minor injuries.

Meanwhile, the Coordination Committee (CorCom) of the KCP, KYKL, PREPAK, PREPAK (Pro), RPF, UNLF and UPPF has claimed responsibility for all the bomb blasts.

The first explosion took place at Thoubal Mela ground, Thoubal district at about 7.30 am which left two women and two men injured.

They were discharged from Thoubal District Hospital after giving first aid as their injuries were minor.

It is reported that the bomb which was lobbed by some unidentified persons fell and exploded inside a drain which restricted its impact.

Nevertheless, the impact of the blast blew away 3/4 tin sheets covering the roof of a shop and mud thrown up by the explosion was strewn all around.

The victims who sustained injuries have been identified as Waikhom Manao Singh (52) s/o late Y Yaima of Thoubal Athokpam Khunou, Samadash alias Samakanta Dash (28) s/o Sheitendro Dash of Amargash, Silchar but staying at Thoubal Mela Ground, Akoijam (O) Sanajaobi (55) w/o AK Ibochouba of Thoubal Wangmataba Ward No 2 and Ningombam (O) Manisang (65) w/o late N Kalijao of Ningombam Luxmi Bazar, Heibi Makhong.

Incidentally, the blast was just 15/20 metres away from Thoubal police station and 1.5 Km away Khangabok BASU ground which was hosting the main district level Independence Day celebration.

This was followed by another powerful explosion near an RCC drain along NH 37 at Sagolband Salam Leikai, Imphal West district at about 9 am.

Though there was no human casualty, the impacts of the explosion damaged certain portions of a kitchen belonging to CPI State Unit general secretary Sarat Salam.

Besides ravaging a section of the drain, the explosion left a crater about 2 feet in diameter.

The third explosion happened at Telepati on the side of Imphal river bank in Imphal East district at about 9.30 am.

This time too, no one was injured but it left a big crater.

After a gap of around one hour, the fourth and final explosion was witnessed at Mahaballi in Imphal East when the Independence Day celebration was going on across Imphal river at 1st Bn Manipur Rifles parade ground.

The explosion was not only heard but it also rattled the parade ground forcing many top police officials to rush the blast site.

The blast took place at the foot of a retaining wall built along the river bank at a spot about 100 feet short of reaching Mahaballi's wooded area from Sanjenthong.

The retaining wall got cracked at the impact of the explosion and the nearby bushes were burnt out.

Meanwhile, claiming its hand in the serial blasts, the CorCom said that the bomb blasts were part of the boycott call and imposition of general strike on Independence Day jointly declared by CorCom and other revolutionary groups fighting for independence from Imphal in the western South East Asia.

Celebration of Indian Independence Day is driven by an agenda to snap the indigenous peoples from their own history and traditions and ultimately assimilate them within the Indian national identity, it alleged.

The CorCom also conveyed gratitude to all the people for making the boycott and general strike successful, and also for showing solidarity against the alien rule and its repressive measures.

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