Shivraj Patil condemns Imphal blast

New Delhi, Oct 22 : Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil today condemned last evening blast in Imphal in which 17 people were killed and 34 other injured.

In his message, the Home Minister said, "I condemn the bomb blast which took place in Imphal. I convey my condolences to the bereaved families and pray for quick recovery of the injured."

"By targeting innocent people, anti-national elements have tried to spread panic among people, but the Govt. is determined to take effective action against such elements," he added.

The blast took place on Tuesday evening near a high-security zone, which houses a police commando training centre.

No outfit has claimed responsibility for the blast. The nature of the explosion is being investigated.

Initial reports say that the blast was triggered by an improvised explosive device (IED), which was placed in a Luna moped.

Earlier, on Sunday, a bomb had exploded near Chief Minister O. Ibobi Singh's official residence.

ANI