Imphal, November 14: The proscribed PREPAK today targeted the official residence of the Chief Minister with a bomb at about 8 pm.

Though top brass of the State police remained tight lipped over the incident, the outfit claimed that it carried out the attack for a number of reasons.

Spokesman of the outfit, R Meitei in a statement said that the attack was carried against the corruption (culture of percentage), promoting favouritism instead of governance and continued human rights violation that has given the 'security force the licence to kill.' R Meitei further said that the attack was executed because one of its cadres, who had just been released from jail, yesterday (Nov 13) after being detained under the NSA was shot dead by police commandos in plain clothes.

Moreover the opposition voiced by the CM against the revolutionaries at each and every meeting is responsible for the attack, added the statement.

Prior to the claim by PREPAK, a loud noise (explosion ?) that went off at the official residence of the Chief Minister today at about 8 pm sent reporters scurrying for reports as contrasting information poured in.

Policemen on duty at the Police Headquarters confirmed that they heard a loud report.

Following the unusually loud report, top ranking officials of the State Police Department including the IG (I) Dinokumar, IG (Intl) LM Khaute, ADG Shahid Ahmed, Imphal West SP, Clay Khongsai and CRPF officers rushed to the site to take stock of the situation.

The CM's residence is guarded by personnel of the 130 CRPF.

The CRPF personnel on duty however refused to the speak to the press.

An MLA also came rushing to the site on hearing the 'loud noise.' Nothing could be confirmed as the top brass of the police and CRPF maintained that nothing happened while the security personnel on duty outside definitely heard a noise that was more like a bomb blast.

Interestingly a well placed source said that the loud noise came from inside the CM's residence.

The CM is away at Delhi for a DONER meeting while the Chief Secretary and the DG are out of station.

Meanwhile an elderly gentleman, a Grade IV employee of the PHED identified as J Guite, was hurt when a bomb exploded at Quarter number F-16, Type II, Langol Housing Complex today at about 8.40 pm.

He has been admitted to RIMS hospital with injuries on the hands.

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