IMPHAL, July 21: A powerful Improvised Explosive Device (IED) exploded at Salang Sabal Leikai of Awang Khunou near Gokulchand High School along NH-37 (Imphal-Jiribam) under Patsoi Police Station at around 4.20 pm today just in a convoy of 28 Assam Rifles passed the explosion site. However, there was no casualty in the blast.
Notably, the explosion took place after 73 valley-based underground cadres laid down arms and surrendered before Chief Minister Okram Ibobi and Home Minister Gaikhangam in a home coming ceremony organized by IGAR (South), Mantripukhri yesterday.
According to the police, the NH-37 Road is frequented by the personnel of 18 Sikh Regiment as a part of normal road opening patrol and area domination duty. The personnel of CRPF and Assam Rifles besides VIP frequently move on this road.
The explosion took place after the personnel of 18 Sikh Regiment reached their post while a convoy of 28 Assam Rifles under 9 Sector AR of Keithelmanbi comprising of a truck and Gypsy passed by Gokulchand High School.
The bomb went off from a remote controlled device in between the truck and Gypsy. However, there was no casualty in the explosion. A large crater measuring four feet by three feet was formed at the blast site near a paddy field.
Reinforcements from Assam Rifles and police commandos rushed to the blast site, but there was no unwanted eventuality.
A ministerial team comprising of works minister Ratankumar and social welfare minister AK Mirabai was also on the NH-37 Road at the time of bomb explosion.