Imphal, January 27: Atleast four female passengers, including a 12 year old girl, have been killed while 17 others sustained injuries when a passenger bus they were travelling on met with an accident at Lamjao under Waikhong police station at around 11.20 am today.

The victims have been identified as Yumnam (O) Tampharei (55) of Langmeidong Maning Awang Leikai, Yumnam Ibechoubi (12) also of Langmeidong Maning Awang Leikai, Salam Ibemhal (55) of Tokpaching and Memchoubi (36) of Waikhong.

While the 17 injured had been admitted to hospitals for treatment bodies of the deceased were handed over to family members after post mortem conducted at Lilong PHC this afternoon.

Bomb exploded: An explosion was triggered by some unidentified persons yesterday at around 7:25 pm near Jenita Medico Store, Kwakeithel Bazar.

Even as there was no human casualty because of the blast, slabs covering drains in the nearby area were completely destroyed.

Before the arrival of police, one youth, reportedly involved in setting off the explosive was nabbed by the people staying in the area.

The youth was later handed over to police.

Police have recovered four number of dry cells and a short electric wire from the spot.

Subsequent upon the arrest of the youth involved in setting off the explosive, a PREPAK cadre who was reportedly the mastermind behind the explosion was also pulled up by police at around 8 pm yesterday.

Speaking to reporters today, SP Imphal West Clay Khongsai said that acting on disclosure of the youth identified as Oinam Sanatomba (26) s/o Jillangamba who was handed over to police by people, PREPAK cadre (army no 14456) identified as Yumnam Heramani alias Malem s/o Angouton of Kwakta Chekkon, currently staying at Thangmeiband Kabrabam Leikai was also apprehended from his home.

Sanatomba of Keibul Chingmei, currently staying in a rented room at Kwakeithel Mayai Koibi was a rickshaw puller, engaged by PREPAK to plant the explosive, the SP said.

Heramani was also involved in the similar incident of bomb blast at the same place on December 14 last year in which one rickshaw puller sustained injuries, Clay Khongsai disclosed.

During interrogation Heramani disclosed that the explosive set off yesterday was brought by one drug addict Yaithengbam Tomba alias Atomba s/o Biren of Mongshangei School Leirak before it was set off by Sanatomba, conveyed the SP adding that the explosive was a type of IED.

Heramani further disclosed that Bharatngamba of Uripok was also eliminated by PREPAK.

SP Clay Khongsai also conveyed gratitude to public for their cooperation to police.

Injured in IED blast: A civilian identified as Yankhomang (20) s/o Yamkhullen of Shairo suffered multiple splinter injuries in pelvic area and on his feet when he stepped on an IED laid by suspected UNLF UGs in the general area of Hengshi yesterday at 15.30 hours, according to PRO HQ IGAR (S).

The victim was provided first aid by AT troops and was evacuated to RIMS Imphal for further treatment.

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