Imphal: Two people were killed and at least seven injured in a massive explosion near a bus station in this Manipur capital on Wednesday morning, police said.
The blast took place near Moirangkhom bus stand at around 6.30 a.m. in a high security zone, despite security arrangements made by the police and other security agencies.
The blast site is around one kilometre from the official residence of Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh and a short distance away from the headquarters of the Manipur Rifles Regiment, the Manipur Police Headquarters and the State Secretariat.
Police said that one person died on the spot, while another died on the way to the Regional Institute of Medical Science.
The seven injured were shifted to hospital and the condition of some of them is critical, police added.
Preliminary investigation suggested it was an Improvised Explosive Device (IED), which was attached to a timer device, police said. All entry and exit points of the city have been sealed and a manhunt has been launched.
The dead were identified as L.Brojen (35) and Holhun Touthang (40), police said. Four people were injured when suspected militants triggered a powerful explosion in Imphal town on Tuesday morning, following which the chief minster had reviewed the law and order situation of the state. No militant outfit has claimed responsibility for the two blasts.
Earlier last month, nine migrant labourers from Assam, who were working at a project, were killed and several injured when militants triggered a powerful blast in Imphal town.
Security had been tightened throughout Manipur in view of the series of explosions and the coming festive session.
The Kut festival will be observed on November 1, Diwali the next day and Ningol Chakkouba on November 5.
Meanwhile, the state government effected the transfer and posting of a number of police officials.
The DGP has also changed the OCs of some police stations, including the City police under whose jurisdiction blasts occurred in the past two days. (IANS)
