IMPHAL, September 13: Atleast nine persons were killed while 12 others sustained splinter injuries during a powerful Improvised Explosive Device explosion that ripped off a temporary shed sheltering non local labourers late this evening.
The explosion took place around 7:30 pm near the Khoyathong Pukhri Achouba Mapal under city police station, Imphal West.
According to information culled from the blast site, the labourers were working for Simplex Construction Company and are currently engaged in development work of the Naga Nalluh.
Police sources confirmed that five labourers died on the spot while 16 others received splinter injuries.
Of the total injured, 14 were rushed to the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) for treatment and two at Shija Hospital.
Later, three of the injured labourers at RIMS succumbed while another at Shija Hospital.
Reports speculated that the death toll could rise as five of the injured continue to be in critical conditions.
Speaking to media persons, one of the injured persons identified as N Somorendro said that the blast occurred when he was passing through the road.
He sustained splinter injuries on his chest and on his right hand.
The injured who are being treated at RIMS are Babul Hussain (24), son of Lukuman Ali of Kamroop Assam, Borohan Ali (25), Dildhar Ali (22), Md Moksidul Islam (25), Mujibur Ali (25), Rafikur Islam (24), Muktar Hussain (26), Shyamsul Hussain (23), Lalchand Ali (21) and Md Sohibul Islam (20).
Speaking to the media, Narayan Ranga, the Account Officer of Simplex company, who also arrived at RIMS hospital after receiving the news of the blast, confirmed the victims were working for the company and staying at the temporary shed for the past few months.
On receiving the information, the Director General of Manipur Police, M K Das, visited RIMS hospital where the injured persons were undergoing treatment.
While terming the incident unfortunate, he strongly condemned the blast. Deputy Chief Minister, Gaikhangam, while strongly condemning the incident termed the act one of cowardice.
He further appealed to those involved in perpetrating the crime not to repeat such mindless acts while adding that he shared the grief and loss of the bereaved families.