Two migrant traders were killed and five others seriously injured in a bomb blast at 11:30 a.m. on Monday at M.G. Avenue, in the heart of the Imphal town. The explosion site was just a few metres away from the city police station. It is yet to be confirmed whether insurgents lobbed the bomb or triggered it with a remote control device.
Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh and Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam Gangmei visited the injured people at the hospital. Mr. Ibobi said that this craven attack on the innocent people will not solve any problem. He also said that the kin of the dead traders would be extended compensation.
Some non-local traders sell betel leaf here airlifted from West Bengal. A few years back a proscribed underground organisation had imposed ban on the sale of this costly leaf. However, under police protection many traders have been selling it at a premium.
The dead trader has not been identified yet. Though police and other forces swung into action no arrest could be made. The condition of the five injured persons is stated to be serious.
