Imphal, August 25: A bomb suspected to have been planted by underground activists exploded near the gate of Regional Tasar Research Station, at Mantnpukhn, along National Highway 39 at around 6.04 am today.

PIB Defence Wing in a statement said the bomb was detected by an ROP of 4 Assam Rifles.

According to sources, the area where the bomb was found planted is being patrolled by personnel of 4 Assam Rifles posted at Chmgmeirong every day.

A patrol party of the 4 Assam Rifles reportedly detected the bomb at around 5.15 am today.

The security personnel were trying to defuse the bomb when it suddenly went off at around 6.04 am.

Although no one was injured in the explosion, the front portion including the window shield of Tata truck (MN01/4557), which was parked and preparing to go to Dimapur, suffered substantial damages.

The owner of the Tata truck is identified as Thounaojan Bimolchandra (41) of Utlou Mayai Leikai and the driver of the truck as one Thoiba (39) of Maibam Ching Maning.

The explosion took place while the handyman identified as Langpoklakpam Dijen (24) of Maibam Lotpa Ching was sleeping inside the ill-fated truck.

Fortunately, he escaped unhurt.

The Assam Rifles and the Police believed that the bomb might have been exploded with a timer.

According to information received by the press, one underground organisation had allegedly seized the documents from some trucks which were preparing to leave for Dimapur in connection with monetary demand served to them yesterday afternoon.

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