Manipur, IMPHAL, August 16: Two persons were injured during a series of bomb explosion in the Manipur state during the nation’s 66th Independence Day celebrations yesterday.
The first explosion of the four was reported at around 7:30am yesterday early morning from the Thoubal Mela ground, near the district headquarters, at around 8 am while arrangements for the celebration were in full swing.
The explosion occurred on the road adjoining the ground injuring two individuals, identified as Samakanta Das, 28 son of Saitagar Das working in a nearby bakery and Yaikhom Manao, 53 son of Yaimani of Thoubal Atokpam Khunou.
The two injured were released from the local district hospital after administering first aids.
Meanwhile, three bombs exploded in the state capital while the state Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh was giving his speech at the 1st Manipur Rifles parade ground where the main celebrations was taking place.
The first of the three explosions was at Sagolband Salam Leikai under Imphal PS at around 9am along the NH 37.
The bomb, allegedly planted by insurgents at the side of the busy NH 37 was apparently set off by using a remote-controlled device at around 9 am, damaging the roadside drainage and the kitchen of a nearby residence which belongs to CPI (M) general secretary Sarat Salam.
Just 30 minutes later at 9:30am, another bomb exploded at Telepati along the Imphal River under Imphal East police.
The third explosion occurred in the Mahabali Temple complex, about one and a half kms from the parade ground of 1st Manipur Rifles, at around 10am. The exact spot of the explosion is just about 100 feet before reaching the village coming along the Sanjenthong Mahabali road.
The explosion damage a part of the retention was constructed along the riverside of the Imphal River.
All the four bombs are said to have timers.
The Independence Day was celebrated amid tight security deployment at all district headquarters peacefully.
Major insurgent organisations, including United National Liberation Front, Revolutionary People`s Front, People`s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak, and Kanglei Yawol Kann Lup had earlier called for boycott of Independence Day celebrations.
