IMPHAL, October 14: Militant suspects ambushed a Road Opening Patrol (ROP) team comprising of 41 AR and Ukhrul district police, exploding a powerful Improvised Explosive Device (IED) this afternoon at Nungsangkong, about 18 Km from Ukhrul Police.
However, no casualty was reported due to the blast except for some minor damage to a bus carrying the ROP team.
The blast was triggered on the eve of the general strike called by several militant groups operating in the state including the Co-ordination Committee a conglomerate of major valley based militants, against the alleged annexation of Manipur into Indian Union on October 15.
On 1949, October 15, Manipur was officially declared as part of Indian Union and the day has been observed as a Black Day, by militant groups.
Police sources said that the blast occurred around 2:55 pm.
Unlike normal days, the ROP was intensified along the Imphal-Ukhrul road, as part of a security measure in connection with the procession of Durga Puja festival for submerging the idol of Durga, said the police adding that the IED was planted at the road side.
Soon after the blast, reinforcements rushed to the spot and further conducted a search operation in and around the area.
The concerned Ukhrul Police has registered a case in connection with the incident.
Meanwhile, claiming responsibility for the attack, the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), said that the attack was carried out by its Special Warfare Group.
A statement released by the outfit’s Chief of Department of Publicity, Bangkim, stated that the attack is a part of its ongoing war against the ‘occupational force’.
It not only proves the credibility of the outfit to strike anytime and anyplace but also its preparedness, asserted the statement.