Imphal:
Militants today exploded a powerful bomb in a market area in Imphal, injuring five persons and damaging a school building.
The IED, planted near Bheirodan Hindi High School in the market which is one km away from the official residence of Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh, exploded at around 6 AM through a remote-controlled device.
Five persons were injured, one vehicle was destroyed and the school building was damaged in the incident.
While one of the injured was discharged after first-aid, the remaining four, who hailed from Bihar, were admitted to the Regional institute of Medical Science and Hospital (RIMSH).
A strong police team led by Deputy Inspector General of Police (law and order) Clay Khongsai rushed to the spot and blocked all exit points before launching a search operation.
No individual or group has claimed responsibility for the incident.
The chief minister and several social organisations condemned the incident.