Shivraj Patil condemns Manipur blast

New Delhi/Manipur, Dec 17: Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil has condemned Sunday"s blast near Imphal in Manipur.

“I convey my sympathies to the kins of those killed and pray for speedy recovery of those injured in the incident," said Patil in a message. “Such desperate acts by anti-national elements will not help them in any manner and will only isolate them further. I am confident that the State Government will take all steps to avoid recurrence of such incidents and bring the culprits to book," he added.

Meanwhile, security measures have beefed up across Manipur after a powerful bomb blast in which seven were killed and at least 30 injured. Security personnel have been asked to step up security measures and patrolling to detect the movement of militants.

Police personnel have been pressed into service in all sensitive areas to keep an eye on militant activities. Meanwhile, the insurgent outfit, United National Liberation Front has condemned the blasts and said it had no connection with the blast.

The Improvised Explosive Device (IED) exploded on a bus, which was travelling from Imphal to Keivi village. The IED was reportedly targeted at security personnel deployed in the area.

ANI

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