IMPHAL, November 23: A bomb attack carried out on Army personnel by the Manipur People’s Army, the armed wing of the United National Liberation Front resulted in injuring Army personnel of the 18th Sikh Regiment and a sniffer dog.
The attack was carried out on the eve of the 48th Foundation Day of the UNLF at a roadside area located in between Laingamkhul and Salang Sabal Leikai which is situated about 3 km west from Patsoi police station and along the National Highway 37. The area comes under Imphal West district.
The attack occurred about 6.45 am today. The personnel of the 18th Sikh Regiment are presently attached to Patsoi Police Station. Sources said that the bomb exploded when some personnel was conducting a routine road opening party along the mentioned Highway stretch. Further, another explosion is said to have occurred at least 30 feet away from the first explosion site.
The bomb is said to be an Improvised Explosive Device and remotely triggered. The blast injured a Junior Commissioned Officer and a rifleman identified as Th Hepuni Mao of the 165 TA, rifleman number 13004298-M. A sniffer dog is also wounded in the attack. Sources said that the rifleman has been grievously injured.
In the aftermath, additional forces rushed in to the area and started questioning up nearby locals and farmers. Some individuals were also taken away for further questioning. Sources said.
The blast area was cordoned off for some time and the public was not allowed to pass the area including mediapersons. MLA of Konthoujam, K Sharat also came to the blast site and condemned the blast. He stated that attacks have been repeatedly occurring within his constituency in a short span of time. He appealed the concerned to refrain from similar activities in the larger public interest.
Claim
The proscribed UNLF has claimed that today’s blast at Konthoujam around 6:30am was carried out by a demolition team of MPA/UNLF and aimed against a foot patrol of Assam Rifles, according to a release of the outfit.
It has further claimed that the outfit will carry on furhter attacks on the security forces.