Manipur CM condemns bomb attacks, toll reaches 17

Imphal, Oct 22 (UNI) Manipur Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh has condemned the bomb attack at Imphal East last night, terming it an act of cowardice.

Mr Singh also assured that the government would provide the necessary assistance to the next of kins of the deceased and injured in the blast.

So far, 17 people were killed and 20 injured in the attack, police today said adding the condition of 15, who were admitted to Regional Institute of Medical Sciences and Shija hospital, were stated to be critical.

Police informed that eleven persons were killed on the spot during the blast at Ragailong, Pandon, Imphal East near the Commando complex, and Khuman Lampak sports complex last night.

Police further informed that all the deceased were between the age of 30 and 40, adding the investigations were on.

The Assam Rifles as well as the elite Police commando were pressed into action in large number near the site of blast.

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister, senior Cabinet ministers, police and civil officials visited the hospitals to meet the injured persons.

The medics had a tough time in treating the injured as the latter had wounds with shrapnel of the bomb.

According to police, it was not known where the bomb was planted but five vehicles were damaged and a two wheeler was badly damaged.

'' It is suspected that the bomb was fitted to the two wheeler,'' police stated.

Of late the state had been witnessing bomb attacks in several places, including two bomb blasts at the official residence of the Chief Minister.

Meanwhile, the People's Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK), which had owned the responsibility of the attacks at the Mr Singh's residence, washed its hands of the blast last night.

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