IRB man behind blast at Chambers hospital; Arrested personnel confesses attacking two other clinics on behalf of KCP

Separatism still takes its toll in the North east of India.
The Imphal Free Press

Imphal, August 21: In yet another outrageous incident early this morning, a personnel of the India Reserve Battalion, a state police armed constabulary, was found involved in a bomb attack at a prominent private hospital in Imphal, the Chamber of Commerce Hospital at Thangal Bazar.

At least three persons were injured in the blast.

Sources said that the incident took place around 6:50 am when two youths hurled a grenade inside the campus of the hospital, which resulted in the injury of three persons.

The sources further said that bystanders who were alerted by the blast managed to catch one of the youth while trying to flee after triggering the blast.

The mob after thrashing the youth handed him over to the concerned police station.

The apprehended person has since been identified as one Takyenjam Munal Singh s/o (L) Tomba Singh of Yairipok Yambem Leikai, a personnel of 2nd IRB presently posted at Battalion head Quarter, Khuman Lampak, Rifle No. 1299530.

He is now undergoing interrogation by the police.

The injured victims have been identified as Raheruddin, 18, son of (late) Jaheruddin of Keirao Mkha Leikai, hit by the bomb splinter at his chest, he was hit by the bomb splinter while he was out to purchase medicine for his ailing mother hospitalized at the hospital.

Thokchom Tomba, 45, son of Ninghthoubi of Kongba Laishram Leikai, injured at his left back and Jasiki Jain alias Guddi Jain, daughter of Sanjoy of Rajasthan, at present staying at Dharamsala, injured at her left leg.

Protesting against the attack, a dharna was staged by the staff of the hospital at the campus, during which placards like “we opposed the bomb blast”, “we condemn the injuring of innocent civilians by triggering blasts in the hospital campuses”, “let the hospital authority work peacefully”, “immediately stop bomb blast at hospital campus” etc were displayed.

In this connection the Senior Superintendent of Police, L. Kailun, has released a press statement saying that at around 6:30 am today a hand grenade was hurled and exploded on the roadside near Chamber of Commerce, Hospital, Allugali, Imphal.

Immediately on receipt of the information, the CDO, Imphal west and Jem Doulat of 3rd IRB, sprung into action and apprehended the culprit with the help of locals.

It said that during the spot verification, the arrested person revealed that under the instruction of one Ibungo of KCP (MC), one Mrs. Abe at Sanakeithel area on August 18, delivered the hand grenade.

He also confessed that he was involved in the hurling of hand grenades at Shanti Hospital on July 27 and Langol View Clinic on July 28.

Both of them were done at the instruction of Ibungo. Necessary departmental action is being taken up against him and the case is being investigated, said the statement.

Further the statement said, the police appreciate the assistance provided by the locals in the apprehension and identification of culprits and control of such crime in future.