Bomb blast near Imphal airport; no casualty

Imphal: Suspected militants triggered a bomb explosion in Imphal West district near the Cargo Terminal area of the Imphal International Airport on Sunday, the third anniversary of ethnic conflict between Meitei and Kuki communities, officials said.

No casualty or damage to property was reported in the blast that occured between the new cargo terminus currently being built and a camp of the Indian Territorial Army within the airport. A senior police officer, who did not want to be named, said that the explosion triggered panic in the vicinity. Following the explosion, the area has been secured, and the situation remains under close monitoring, officials said, adding that an investigation has been underway. The Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP), a banned outfit, claimed responsibility for the blast. KCP said that it triggered the explosion to protest frequent bandhs, blockades and shutdowns, which have been affecting normal life.

- ( With Agency Inputs)