Blast in Manipur's capital Imphal ahead of PM, Sonia's visit

Imphal, Nov 30: A powerful bomb blast took place outside the Sangai tourism festival in East Imphal, Manipur at 11 am.

One person has been reportedly killed in the bomb blast who is suspected to be separatist bomber.

Reports suggest that a person was carrying the IED to the venue of the festival.

"We suspect the person who died is the one who carried the bomb concealed in a sack to plant at the festival venue," a police official said.

"Today was the concluding day of the festival and there were no people around when the blast occurred and hence there no other casualties," said the official.

The bomber was apparently suspected to be riding a cycle rickshaw when the blast took place.

The blast comes ahead of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Congress President Sonia Gandhi's visit to the state on Dec 3, where they are expected to inaugurate various newly constructed buildings like Assembly building (Capitol Project), Manipur High Court Complex at Chingmeirong, City Convention Hall at Palace Compound.

An unexploded bomb also has been recovered from Imphal.

Earlier, a powerful bomb blast had shook the state killing two labourers at Uripok area, East Imphal on Nov 17. The bomb was suspected to be planted by militants.

Meanwhile, the special cell of the Delhi police arrested 6 Indian Mujahideen terrorists alleged to be behind some of the main terror attacks in India.

According to sources, the terrorists are believed to be the brain behind the Bangalore, Mumbai and Pune blasts in 2010. One of the arrested is a Pakistani national and the Delhi Police's special unit is understood to have intercepted a call that lead to the major arrest. [Read More: Terror cell busted by Del Police; 6 IM suspects held].

OneIndia News