At least five people have been injured when a bomb exploded in Manipur capital Imphal on Tuesday.
According to ANI news, the high-intensity explosion took place near Bhairodan Maxwell School in Khwairamband market complex, which is only a kilometre away from the official residence of Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh. A similar incident took place near the CM's house ahead of Independence Day celebrations in August.
View Larger Map
Reports suggest that Tuesday's blast was triggered by armed UG cadres in Imphal. The militants were said to have planted the bomb under a handcart before activating it remotely.
The incident took place two days after a cadre belonging to the insurgent group, People's Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK), was arrested by 30 Assam Rifles troops.
The arrested militant was identified as 35-year-old Kangjam Chalamba, son of Brojen, a resident of Thangmeiband Hijam Leikai.
Minister of State of Home Affairs Gaikhangam Gangmei told The Hindu that the recent bomb attacks were intended to disrupt law and order situation in the state.
Gangmei targeted the Congress-led government saying it "will come down with a heavy hand to curb this."
On Monday, a general 36-hour strike was called by a joint action committee (JAC), formed by residents of Khurai and Lamlong areas, in protest against the murder of an excavator driver, Devraj Maishnam, on14 October.
Transport services between Manipur and neighbouring states were cancelled due to the general strike that began at 5 am on Monday. There were reports of people pelting stones at vehicles in Imphal.
