IMPHAL, November 2: There is no respite for Imphal city which had been gripped in fear from the recent spurt of bombings with another blast aggravating the uneasiness on Diwali eve.
The police and other intelligence apparatus are still not able to crack a singular case in regard to the recent bombings and the attacks continued to be perpetrated amidst the ‘tight security’ provided by the State Police department in the heart of the city.
There have been constant complaints from the public regarding the inefficiency of the police and their inability to curb the ‘terrorist’ bombing or nab the perpetrators.
As the Shoti Diwali and Kali Puja were underway at Kalibari Mandir, Thangal Bazar this evening, a powerful IED exploded at Kaibari Gali around 7:20 pm. The bomb was planted under the pavement near the wall of the temple. It was suspected to have been a timed IED.
The blast rocked the nearby buildings and residents shell-shocked by the blast.
The IED blew up the concrete pavement and made a crater of at least 5 feet in diameter.
The street was strewn with glass from the adjacent apartments resulting from the blast, but, luckily no one was injured in the incident, according to available reports. The said area is inhabited mostly by migrant workers and is full of second hand hardware items shops and godowns.
Post the blast, top police brass inclusive of ADGP LM Khaute; IG, L Kailun; IG, Clay Khonsai; SP and SDPO of Imphal West came to the spot and assessed the situation.
The police officers appeared to be unable to make head or tail of the blast and the identity of the possible perpetrators. However, many non-locals and other shopkeepers were rounded up in front of Kalimai Mandir and their identities verified. The usual security beef up post a blast was also conducted similarly in the city area.
It may be mentioned that on October 19, a bomb blast occurred in the morning at Majorkhul MG Avenue. The said attack today is just a few metres from the said area.
A blast occurred on October 27 near Kangla northern gate number 1. Another blast on October 30 at Dharamsala resulted in five civilians being wounded. The last blast at Moirangkhom Moreh parking resulted in three civilians being killed and five injured.
Fireworks on Diwali eve; another blast rocks city
According to Kiran Maringmei, a resident of Majorkhul and who was watching TV on the second floor was thrown off his chair and the impact of the blast shattered the glass window panes. He sustained minor cuts on his hand.
IFP gathered impromptu opinions from the general populace and they stated that this is the festive season of Ningol Chakouba , a major festival for the Meitei community coupled with Diwali celebrations and shopping for gifts at the market is underway.
The sense of security is no longer there as a bomb may explode anytime and anywhere in a public area – the cumulative opinion gathered by IFP.