IMPHAL, October 4: A convoy of the Chandel Superintendent of Police, E Priyokumar came under a twin IED attack while returning from a Border Liaison Officers’ meeting with Myanmar authorities this afternoon. In the immediate aftermath of the twin explosion, security forces recovered another IED just 35 meter away from the first explosion along the National Highway 2.
The police convoy was also fired upon soon after the explosions, police said.
Two IEDs planted some 15 feet away exploded simultaneously injuring seven escorts of the SP who were in the last two vehicles just behind the SP’s vehicle. However all the Manipur Police personnel escaped with minor splinter injuries and the two Gypsies were partly damaged from the explosions.
The SP later told media persons that the police suspect the Cor Com to be behind the explosions.
The attack came this afternoon at around 1:50pm somewhere in between Moreh and Khudengthabi Assam Rifles camp about 6/7 kms from the Moreh Police station along the National Highway 2.
The convoy which had four vehicles was led by the Moreh OC’s vehicle in the front followed by the SP’s Gypsy.
All injured were first attended to at the Khudengthabi AR outpost from where they were shifted to RIMS.
The seven injured have been identified as Head Constable TP Badal, 40 of Sekmai, and the six riflemen as Ng Chothe, 21 of Komlathabi, Madhumani Maring (Driver), 28 of Sandang Semba Maring Khul, Rongmeithang, 24 of Aimol Ngairang, Telingsang, 30 of Nungourok, Morung, 32, Shinkholein, 25 of Pallel Aimol Kombirei. All suffered multiple splinter injuries.
Soon after the injured were brought to RIMS, local MLA, DK Korungthang, IG LO I, L Kailun, DIG Range I Clay Khongsai, Imphal West SP, L Jayenta, RIMS MS Shantikumar rushed to the hospital to enquire about the injured personnel.
Speaking to media persons at the hospital, Chandel SP E Priyokumar said his team was returning after participating the 5th Border Liaison Officers’ meeting when suddenly he heard two explosions behind his vehicle. He said he also heard several rounds of gun fired towards them. The police officer said, he suspect the joint committee of militant outfits of the state, Cor Com to be behind the attack.
Meanwhile, a combine security forces team comprising of Assam Rifles, Manipur police commandos, Manipur Rifle and VDF personnel rushed to the spot and conducted a cordon and search operation. During the search operation another IED was found planted just 35 meter away from the first explosion along the highway.
Vehicular traffic along the highway was also stopped, while the security team was conducting cordon and search operation along the highway.
Sources also informed that the security team is waiting for the arrival of bomb experts from Imphal/Chandel to diffuse the recovered IED.
It is also learnt that the said attack happened while the Assam Rifles Director General Lt Gen Ranbir Singh, IGAR (S) Maj Gen UK Gurung and 26 Sector AR Brig Upendra Driwedi were present at the border town of Moreh. It may be mentioned that, during the 5th Border Liaison Officers’ meeting the Indian delegate consisted of DC Chandel, Th Chittaranjan, SP Chandel, E Priyokumar, SP NAB Imphal, ADC Moreh, SDPO, Moreh Balaram and other customs officials. (with inputs from our Moreh Correspondent)