Militants attack Manipur govt official’s residence

Unidentified militants attacked the private house of a Manipur government official by exploding a powerful grenade today but no casualty was reported, police sources said.

Sources said the militants lobbed the grenade at the house of handloom and handicraft director W Nilamani Singh at Nongmeibung area in Imphal this morning.

The grenade exploded damaging two vehicles parked in the house of Mr. Singh but no casualty was reported.

Sources said Mr. Singh and his family members were present at the time of explosion.

Mr. Singh told local media that a militant outfit had demanded money from him in connection with the implementation of a project by the department but he said he was instrumental only and asked how could he pay money to the militant outfit because the money was meant for the project.

Local residents of Nongmeibung launched a sit in protest against the grenade explosion and asked the militants not to disturb the general public.

Official sources said militant outfit Kangleipak Communist Party (Moramba group) was responsible for the incident but the group has not issued any statement so far.