Two killed, seven injured in Manipur blast

Two people were killed and at least seven injured in a massive explosion near a bus station in this Manipur capital Wednesday morning, police said.

The blast took place near Moirangkhom bus stand at around 6.30 a.m. in a high security zone, despite security arrangements made by the police and other security agencies.

The blast site is around one kilometre from the official residence of Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh and a short distance away from the headquarters of the Manipur Rifles Regiment, the Manipur Police Headquarters and the State Secretariat.

Police said that one person died on the spot, while another died on the way to the Regional Institute of Medical Science.

The seven injured were shifted to hospital and the condition of some of them is critical, police added.

Preliminary investigation suggested it was an Improvised Explosive Device (IED), which was attached to a timer device, police said. All entry and exit points of the city have been sealed and a manhunt has been launched.

The dead were identified as L.Brojen (35) and Holhun Touthang (40), police said.

Four people were injured when suspected militants triggered a powerful explosion in Imphal town Tuesday morning, following which the chief minster had reviewed the law and order situation of the state.

No militant outfit has claimed responsibility for the two blasts.

Earlier last month, nine migrant labourers from Assam, who were working at a project, were killed and several injured when militants triggered a powerful blast in Imphal town.