TURA, May 27 � Nine people, including three women were hurt in an IED blast suspected to have been triggered by Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) in the heart of Tura town around 10.55 am today. The blast took place near a shop causing extensive damage to the shop.
The injured were immediately rushed to the Tura Civil Hospital, where they are said to be out of danger. However, one of the injured was admitted for further care. Three among the injured worked in the hardware store the attack took place. A contractor, who was present at the shop at the time of the blast, also sustained injuries.
The bomb is suspected to have been placed in front of the shop and the damage was limited due to the stairs leading to the shop. Police later collected shrapnel from the site of the blast, besides batteries of the bomb�s timer.
The blast resulted in panic amongst the people of the town with all shops hurriedly shutting down in fear.
Initial indications by the police point to the hand of the GNLA Western Command led by its area commander, Hedio Momin, said SP West Garo Hills Mukesh Singh.
�We condemn the cowardly act perpetrated by militants. This is not acceptable. Militants should come forward for negotiations. I on behalf of the government and as local MLA condemn the incident�, said Noverfield Marak, North Tura MLA, who visited the spot.
