Grenade explosion near Manipur CM’s residence

Imphal : Ahead of Independence Day celebrations, a powerful grenade blast near the official residence of Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh in Imphal West district Saturday night rocked the outskirts of the capital city, police said.

No one was hurt, and the blast did not cause any major damage, officials said Sunday.

“The grenade might have been detonated by outlawed militants who were trying to upset Independence Day celebrations in the state,” a police spokesman told reporters.

Security forces, led by senior officials, began a combing operation immediately after the explosion to nab the extremists.

All police stations and security outposts have been put on high alert, particularly in the valley districts of Imphal East, Imphal West, Bishenpur and Thoubal districts, to foil any attempt of extremists to disrupt peace in the northeastern state.