AR convoy escapes IED blast unhurt; PLA claims attack

IMPHAL, February 15: Unidentified persons suspected to be underground activists attacked Assam Rifles personnel by exploding a powerful Improvised Explosive Device (IED) at around 3.35 p.m. from which they had a narrow escape.

The incident occurred near the main road along the Uripok Kangchup Road, also known as Salam Pandol of Heibongpokpi under Lamsang Police station of Imphal West District.

According to information received by IFP,  a convoy of AR vehicles including one gypsy and a 407 Mini truck of D Company of AR at Kangchup post was coming down to their post from Imphal, when the incident happened.

However no AR personnel sustained injuries as the IED exploded after AR vehicles went past.

A team of police led by Officer-in-Charge, Inspector Sharat along with commando personnel conducted a spot inquiry after receiving information about the incident.

The police personnel who arrived at the spot said that the bomb might have been exploded through a remote controlled device.

Lamsang PS has registered a case in this regard.

Meanwhile, the People Liberation Army (PLA) has in a press release claimed that a Special warfare Group of the outfit was responsible for the bomb attack on 10th AR  at around 3.30 on 15 february at the adjoining area between Haorang Lamkhai and Heibongpokpi Khul.

The release further said that the pride of the IGAR(S) on their success in bringing some armed groups to the negotiating table will be short lived and asserted that the surrenderees cannot vilify the spirit of the revolutionaries and tarnish their spirit. It further added that PLA will not tire in its struggle to expel non-Manipuri soldiers from Manipur.