A civilian was injured when two powerful bombs, suspected to have been planted by militants at a roadside, exploded in Imphal east district of Manipur today, minutes after a CRPF convoy passed through.
Sources said the bombs, made of improvised explosive device (IED), went off at 10.20 am at Porompat water tank area, about 100 metres from Porompat police station, while several water tankers were coming to collect water from the tank.
The bombs were planted on both sides of the road. One of the vehicles of the CRPF’s 143rd battalion, escorting the water tanker, which had come to collect water, was damaged and its tyre deflated, the sources said.
According to official reports, a civilian who was yet to be identified, was injured by the splinters and was taken to the casualty department of the nearby J.N.Institute of Medical Sciences and Hospital where his condition was stated to be out of danger.
Reports said the bombs might have been planted by suspected militants late last night to attack police and security personnel, who frequently pass through and patrol the area to detect movement of the ultras. Police personnel from nearby Porompat police station, led by senior police officials, cordoned off the area before launching a search operation which was still continuing, sources said.
No individual or group has claimed responsibility for the incident so far. Official sources said all police and security posts have been alerted to step up frisking within their jurisdiction to prevent movement of armed ultras.