Kumbi blast: 2 AR jawans killed, 9 hurt
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, September 09 2012: In yet another bomb attack on security forces by UGs, a Naik Subedar of 33 Assam Rifles was killed while 10 other personnel sustained injuries, some of them critically, when a powerful Improvised Explosive Device (IED) went off at a spot in between Kangshoibi Khong and Uchal Makhong at Kumbi early this morning.

Proscribed RPF has claimed the responsibility for the bomb attack, saying it was carried out by its armed wing, PLA.

This is the third attack carried out by UGs on security forces in five days since September 5.Altogether 3 AR personnel and a civilian were injured in the last two bomb attacks.

In the first bomb attack claimed to have been carried out by proscribed UNLF, two personnel of 28 Assam Rifles posted at Singjamei Chinga post were wounded when a powerful IED exploded near the community hall at Keishampat Junction on September 5.In the second bomb attack, which occurred yesterday near Tiddim Ground along Tiddim Road, a Lance Naik of 18 Sikh Regiment posted at Tulihal Airport and a civilian were hurt.

The second bomb attack was carried out by RPF, the armed wing of PLA.

One of the Bomb experts of Assam Rifles examining the blast site as others look on

The third bomb attack, which was also believed to an IED triggered with the help of a remote control, went off at around 6 am today.

The bomb was fitted near a culvert in Kumbi Kangshoibi Khongbal under Kumbi Police Station.

Altogether 11 jawans of 33 Assam Rifles were wounded in the attack, out of which one of them later succumbed to the injuries.

The deceased has been identified as Naik Subedar Srinivas Rao who was posted at Moirang Khunnou post.

The impact of the bomb blast also left a portion of the retaining wall of the culvert totally collapsed.

According to reports received from Assam Rifles, personnel of 33 Assam Rifles posted in Kumbi Setpur were on their normal ROP duty to Moirang Khunou.

On the way, they were joined by another team of 33 Assam Rifles posted at Moirang Khunnao, who were on ROP duty to Kumbi.

Both the parties met at Kumbi Kangshoibi Khongbal.

At that point of time, the IED which was already planted near the culvert of Kumbi Kangshoibi Khongbal went off.

The sound of the bomb blast was so loud that it could be heard from a distance of about 5 kms.

The explosion also partially destroyed two Gypsies belonging to the AR team from Moirang Khunou post.

All the injured AR personnel were immediately rushed to the AR Medical Hospital located at Sendra.

Among the 11 injured, the condition of four of them was serious and they were later flown to Leimakhong Military Hospital in an Army Helicopter.

At around 10 am, one of the critically injured personnel succumbed to his injuries.

After the bomb blast, Assam Rifles personnel blocked the Moirang- Kumbi road for about an hour and conducted an operation.

But no one could be arrested in connection with the incident.

A team from Kumbi police station led by its OC also rushed to the spot for inquiry.

A team of AR bomb experts also landed for examination.

According to unofficial reports reaching Hueiyen Lanpao, another AR jawan identified as Kishore, who was among the seriously injured, also succumbed to the injuries.

However, AR and the police have not confirmed it officially.