Militants retaliate security agencies crackdown in Imphal

Imphal, Oct.24 : Militant groups in Manipur appear to be active again inspite of the crackdown on them by the State and security agencies. The bomb blast, which took place here earlier this week, was targeted at security personnel.

People in the State capital Imphal saw the grotesque face of violence once again in the latest blast, which killed at least 17 and left over 30 individuals wounded.

According to the police, the bomb was kept in a motorbike parked outside a police training centre in the city. The latest bomb blast is described by many as one of the worst lethal militant attacks in the capital, which has been rocked by minor blasts in the recent past.

The police said 11 people died on the spot and six were taken to the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Jawaharlal Nehru Hospital and a private hospital.

According to the initial observations, the bomb appeared to be targeted at security personnel. But most of the victims, who lost their lives, were commoners.

Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh has condemned the attack.

"I condemn the act, whosoever is behind it. Stringent measures will be taken against the militant outfit. Government will decide on the compensation for the deceased and the injured," said Singh.

Security experts said that the blasts could be an effort of the militants to demonstrate that they can still be a force to reckon with.

KCP (M-C) Kanglipak Communist party (Military Council) took the responsibility of the bomb blast later on. By L.C.K.Singh

ANI