Bomb Blast shocks Nagaland ahead of elections, 1 killed

Dimapur, Feb 20: A

near railway station in

,

has shocked the hill state in North-east India. The blast which occurred around 8 am on Wednesday (Feb 20) morning killed one person.

The bomb blast came just three days ahead of Nagaland Assembly Elections 2013. Elections for 60 seats in Nagaland Assembly are due on Saturday, Feb 23.

The deceased has been identified as Pradeep Thapa. Thapa, whose exact age is yet to be confirmed, was travelling on his motorbike near the railway station, when the blast occurred. He was killed on the spot. Police sources say the bomb was planted on the roadside.

Meanwhile, security forces have cordoned off the entire area, near the blast site.

"We are investigating the case. We are sure to arrest the culprits soon," said a police official.

However, no groups have taken responsibility for the blast. Nagaland has several underground groups.

The incidence of violence has shocked the residents of Nagaland. Dimapur, the commercial hub of the hill state has almost come to a standstill after the blast.

"It is a sad day for us. We are shocked by the blast. Hope peace prevails," said Aran (who only writes his first name), a business-man based in Dimapur.

Sanjeeb Sharma, a government employee in Dimapur expressed regret over the tragedy.

"It's a sad news. Hope security will be tightened across Nagaland to avoid any untoward incidents," said Sharma.

In the meantime, elections fervour has reached a zenith in Nagaland, as voters are geared up to cast their votes.

OneIndia News