Journalism of Courage
Nine people were killed and 12 injured by a low intensity IED blast in the congested Khoyathing area,near Thangal Bazaar and Nagamapal,of Imphal at 7.45 Friday evening. Sources said the bomb was hurled at a camp of non-Manipuri labourers by suspected militants,though no individual or group has claimed responsibility for the blast.
While the deceased are yet to be identified,the police confirmed that all the victims are non-Manipuri labourers employed by Simplex – the construction company which has undertaken several government projects in the state. The labourers were working on a project which involved covering of the Nagamapal nalla to create parking space. Police said two of the injured were taken to Shija hospital and the rest to the regional medical college RIMS.
The Thangal Bazaar area,one of the high security areas in Imphal, is populated by traders from Rajasthan,Tamil Nadu,Assam,Orissa,Bengal and Punjab,while the residents of Nagamapal too comprise of migrant labourers who live here in congested single rooms as tenants. Sources said non-locals rarely live in any other part of the city due to security reasons.
All top police officials visited the spot including newly appointed DGP MK Dass. Home Minister G Gaikhagnam said it was an act of cowardice.
