IMPHAL, April 22: At least five persons including two women were injured when a powerful Improvised Explosive Device (IED) planted by unidentified persons exploded near the 1st Gate of the Manipur University under Singjamei Police Station, Imphal West this evening around 4:10.
The injured persons have been identified as Ningthoujam Romeo, 19 son of N Tombisana Singh of Khangabok Partb II Maisnam Leikai; Irengbam Jugeshwar Singh, 63 of Irengban; Khomdram Bijen Singh, 23 son of Kh Birkumar Singh of Yairipok Khoirom; Ngangom Asha Devi, 26 daughter of Ng Dhananjoy Singh of Langpok Maning Leikai and Chanambam Anjana Devi, 31 wife of Ch Sanajaoba Singh of Bihnupur Ward no 4.
According to reports culled from the spot, one of the injured Ningthoujam Romeo works as a mason at the construction site of a culvert near the Iron Gate constructed by PWD along the highway and around 20 meter north of the 1st Gate of the university.
The IED bomb wrapped in a plastic bag was found planted along the roadside of the Indo-Burma Road.
Unaware of the contents of the bag, another worker of the construction site had moved it to an open space.
The IED went off suddenly when Romeo tried to open and look inside.
He was hit by splinters in different parts of his body and is undergoing treatment at RIMS Hospital in a critical condition.
The four others who escaped with minor injuries have been discharged from the hospital.
The impact of the blast was so powerful that it left a one foot deep pit with a 2.5 feet radius.
The splinters of the bomb also hit the pillars of the Iron Gate and flex signboards put up nearby.
On receiving reports of the blasr, a team of Imphal West District Police led by additional SP Dr S Ibomcha rushed to the spot and inspected the site.
Bomb experts of Manipur Police and CRPF along with sniffer dogs and metal detectors also arrived at the area, reports stated.
It may be mentioned here that Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh and deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam will be passing through this route to take part in the Khongjom Day observation at Khebaching at Khongjom tomorrow.
Meanwhile, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Manipur has strongly condemned the blast.
In a statement, the AAP Manipur said triggering bombs in public places and killing innocent people by several unknown extremists/vested groups have deeply shattered the normal life and natural freedom of the common people.
It futher appealed to all concerned irrespective of ideologies to refrain from terrorizing innocent public in any manner from today.