IMPHAL, February 18: At least seven individuals including four police personnel and three civilians were injured when an IED exploded today at Masjid road Imphal.
Reports said that the explosion took place around 4.40 pm during the rush hour.
Following the report of a bomb planted at the extreme west corner of the Luxmi Bazaar (Ima Market), and also the entrance point (Northern) of Masjid road, near the area occupied by beetle leaves dealers, a team of city police rushed to the area.
The team reportedly detected an IED (fixed to a mortar shell) inside a polythene bag, however rather than waiting for bomb expert to arrive at the site, the police team tried to retrieve the bomb and disposed it off at the nearby Nambul river.
Unfortunately, the bomb exploded injuring seven individuals.
The injured were immediately rushed to Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS).
Of the injured the identity of the four police personnel have been identified as one ASI Yumnam Sunil, 30, son of Y Shelung of Nambol Ishok, constable Salam Dineswor, 35, son of Salam Goura Kishore of Iroisemba Mamang Leikai Khongdram Leikai and constable Md Taj-uddin, son of Ali of Uchiwa Heibongmakhong and constable, Rajesh.
It is learnt that the condition of Salam Dineswor is critical. He is said to be the one who reportedly tried to retrieve the bomb from the crowded place.
The injured civilians have been identified as one K Pakpi, 50, wife of Dwijamani of Khurai Puthiba, Khundrakpam Homeswari, 45, wife of Ashok of Kwakeithel Thokchom Leikai and Yambem Norkey, 30, son of Surendrakumar of Sagolband Meino Leirak,
Yokey`™s left ear is reportedly deafened by the sound of the blast.
As per Norkey`™s account, Dineshwor retrieved the bomb while warning the people of the presence of the bomb and to get away from the area. However, his intention to throw the bomb into the river proved futile as the bomb went off.
Soon after the blast, top police officials including ADGP LM Khuate, IG Clay Khongsai, SP Imphal West etc rushed at the blast site and a team of bomb expert also swept the site carefully.
It is pertinent to note that just above the blast site a CCTV camera is installed.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh, today visited the injured at the RIMS hospital accompanied by Education Minister M Oken, PHED Minister I Hemochandra, DGP, ADGP Manipur.
Speaking to media persons, the Chief Minister strongly condemned the incident terming it as an act of cowards, inflicting injuries to innocent civilians who are daily bread earner.
Questioning the objective of planting bombs at populated areas which jeopardise innocent lives, he maintained that violence will not serve any purpose. Besides, he reiterated that the individuals or groups responsible for the crime should come to the negotiating table to resolve any differences.
The Chief Minister also lauded the selfless act of the policeman who exposed himself to dangers while trying to retrieve the bomb from the populated area.
Chief Minister Okram Ibobi ruled out any security lapses while responding to queries of the media persons adding that he explained that it would be harassment rather than protecting civilians if every individuals coming at the market place were to be frisked.
At the same time, in his response to non-functioning of the CCTV camera installed in Imphal area, the Chief Minister assured that his Government is making all effort to fix the problem at the earliest, besides extending the installation in some more cameras at strategic part of the greater Imphal areas.
Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/02/seven-including-four-cops-injured-in-ied-blast-at-masjid-road/