Imphal, November 19: Four personnel of the Assam Rifles sustained injuries when an explosive device was set off by suspected underground organisation activists near a culvert in Thounaojam Kakyai at around 9.05 am today.

The blast site is located under Waikhong police station in thoubal district and was detonated when an AR convoy was passing through.

The injured included a Naik Subedar.

According to eyewitness accounts the explosion took place when a Gypsy leading the three vehicle convoy carrying personnel of Chakpikarong based 10 Assam Rifles passed the Thounaojam kakyai culvert.

Few shots were also fired simultaneously from the eastern side of the blast site, they said and added that despite the impact of the blast puncturing both the front and rear tyres on the right side the Gypsy travelled for a few distance before eventually coming to a halt.

In addition to the windshield being shattered by the blast the vehicle also bore bomb splinter and bullet marks, added separate press source.

Soon after the blast, personnel of Kakching based 33 AR and Thoubal district commandos rushed to the spot and launched search operations.

A langmeidong villager - Thounaojam Ibobi (48) - who was angling at a pond near the blast site, and two youths said to be around the place to distribute invitation cards were picked up.

However, local meira paibis reportedly rescued the Langmeidong native.

The youths identified as Laishram Premjit (17) of Langmeidong Maning Leikai and Asem Premjit alias Vicky (18) of Thoubal Khekman have been handed over to thoubal district commandos.

Naik Subedar Bhandari suffered hand injuries; rifleman Ramdas Das at most body parts, Dharmendra at abdomen portions while Ranjit of Salanthong was hurt on both the legs.

Among the injured security personnel condition of Ramdas is said to be serious.

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