Bomb blasts, shutdown mars Independence Day in Manipur

Three security personnel and two girls were injured as bombs exploded in Manipur on India's Independence Day on Monday, officials said.

Most streets in Imphal wore a deserted look after militants called a shutdown, the officials and residents said.

Chief Minister Okram Ibobi unfurled the national flag. Similar events took place in all district headquarters.

The Chief Minister also attended a function held at the Congress office, where state party president T.N. Haokip hoisted the national flag.

An elderly couple were rushed to a hospital after they fell unconscious as a bomb exploded near their house at Tera near Imphal on Monday.

Another bomb went off at Singjamei in Imphal. There were no casualties.

Insurgents in Manipur and the anti-talk faction of the United Liberation Front of Asom had called a boycott of the Independence Day events and announced a general strike.

A total of three security personnel and two minor girls were injured in the explosions, the officials said.

Almost all streets were deserted in Imphal. Shops were shut too. People stayed indoors fearing violence, a police officer told IANS.