5 injured in Improvised Explosive Device (IED) blast in Manipur's Ukhrul district

IMPHAL: At least five people were injured, and two of them were serious, when a powerful Improvised Explosive Device (IED) went off in Manipur's Ukhrul district, police said on Tuesday.

A police official in Imphal said that the blast, triggered by unidentified miscreants, took place between Phungreitang and Viewland area on Monday night injuring five non-Manipuris, four small traders and a cart puller.

The three injured persons have been admitted to Ukhrul district hospital for medical treatment, while two critically injured persons- Sanjay Prasad and Mangal Mahaton hailing from Bihar- were shifted to a hospital in Imphal. Police are yet to confirm the motive behind the IED blast which also damaged a portion on the road.

Police personnel and Assam Rifles troopers immediately rushed to the spot, around 80 km north of Imphal, and launched a search operation to nab the perpetrators. However, there has been no arrest so far, nor has any outfit claimed responsibility for the blast. (IANS)