IMPHAL, October 30: Soon after a powerful IED explosion killed two van drivers and left five other bystanders injured this morning at Moirangkhom, condemnations of the blast and condolences for the dead and injured poured in.
Locals of Yaishkul area staged sit ins at the explosion site and a nearby oil pump, as several others including political parties and drivers’ union have also condemned the violent incident.
Womenfolk and local youth clubs of Yaiskhul Police Lane, Yaiskhul Janmasthan, Moirangkhom and Keishamthong area staged a sit in protest at two different areas.
The sit in protests staged at the Moirangkhom Krishna Premi Oil Pump and on the footpath along the Heicham Yaichampat were organised by the Young Voluntary Organisation (YVO).
Protestors were seen holding placards which read “Stop killing Innocent Civilians”, “Fed up with Bombs”, “we want peace”, etc.
Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the sit in protest, a woman said that the violence which resulted in the death of two persons is highly condemnable.
She further appealed to all concerned not to carry out such violent actions in crowded areas.
She further appealed to all to clarify at the earliest.
All the shops and the business establishments in the surrounding area remained closed for the day during the protest.
Meanwhile, the Janata Dal United Manipur State Unit has strongly condemned the Moirangkhom blast which killed two persons were killed and left five others injured in a press conference held at the Janta Dal Office today.
Speaking to the media, during a press conference, the state unit president, M Tombi said that the party condemn the recent spurt of bomb blast in crowded areas.
He said that as it is the festive season, the bazar area is crowded with shoppers.
He further expressed that the party shares the sorrow and pain of the families for their loss.
Further questioning the motive behind the blast at a crowded area, he demanded clarification from whosoever was behind the blast.
He further asked if there is a hidden agenda behind the attacks to re-impose the Arm Forces Special Powers Act in the seven assembly segments of Imphal.
Further appealing against all such violence in the future, he also urged the government for proper compensations to the families of the victims.
On the other hand, the All Manipur Road Transport Drivers’ and Motor Works’ Union has in a press statement said that the JAC, Imphal Moreh Road Transporters and Drivers Union jointly convened a condolence meeting at the office of the All Manipur Road Transport Drivers’ and Motor Works’ Union this evening at 3 condemning the Moirangkhom blast.
It said during the meeting, a two minute silence was also observed condoling the death and condemning the violence.
The Hill Tribal Council, Moreh has also condemned the violent incident and said that it shares the grief of the families of the blast victims.
The council in a press statement has demanded clarification from all concern at the earliest.
The North East Dialogue Forum has also strongly condemned the blast.
A press release of the forum has also said, “People of Manipur have long experiences of bomb blast in the state”.
Women Action for Development, WAD has in a press release while questioning the current trend of bomb blast in the state also condemned the blast.
Meanwhile, the Shiv Sena Manipur State has strongly condemned the bomb blast at Dharamsala, Thangal Bazar on October 29 injuring five persons including two students.
It also thanked RK Tejbir Singh, Officer-in-Charge and Inspector Yaipirel for finding the killers of Satinder who was found murdered at his rented residence at Kakhulong recently.