Imphal, Jan 12: Two bombs, including an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) triggered remotely, went off in different areas of this capital city on Wednesday near the residences of intending Congress candidates for the upcoming Manipur Assembly elections.
While no one was injured, vehicles and the gate of a house were damaged, police said.
One of the blasts took place near the residence of former MLA Salam Joy at Samurou of Imphal West district. Joy is a Congress ticket aspirant from the Wangoi Assembly constituency. A gate was partially damaged in the impact. The police suspect the blast could have been triggered by a hand grenade.
In another incident, a bomb went off near the gate of Kh Ratankumar at Kangla Sangomshang Awang Leikai under Imphal East district. Vehicles parked in Ratankumar’s house were badly damaged. Ratankumar is a Congress ticket hopeful from the Khurai Assembly constituency. Police suspect that an IED must have been planted earlier and triggered off from a distance.
Manipur Police has started a probe into both incidents. People in both areas have protested against the attacks on aspiring Congress candidates.
Earlier on January 9, two persons including a worker of BJP Minister, O Lukhoi were shot dead at Samurou, near the site of Wednesday’s blast.
The Manipur government has constituted a probe into the killings of the two persons. However, family members of the two victims have not yet claimed the dead bodies. They have demanded the immediate arrest of those involved in the killings.
Manipur Assembly elections are scheduled to be held on Feb 27 and Mar 3.
