IMPHAL, Dec 28 - An IED (improvised explosive device) blast rocked Khwairamband Bazar in the heart of the State capital early this morning.
Though the police said no one was injured in the blast, local sources said that two workers sustained minor injuries under its impact.
The IED went off in front of a shop at Ngari Galli in Khwairamband Keithel around 4.50 am when most shops were closed. The shop is owned by one Pradeep Kumar engaged in the �ngari� (fermented dry fish) business. The blast damaged his shop as well as other similar establishments in the vicinity.
Police rushed to the spot soon after the blast to take stock of the situation. They said that there was no casualty as the shops were not yet opened for the day. However, people who were in the market area claimed that two workers sustained injuries on their legs. Police suspect the hand of militants behind the blast. No insurgent group has owned responsibility for the blast till the filing of this report.
Local MLA Kh Joykishan also visited the blast site later.
Meanwhile, police commandos conducted a search operation in and around the Thangal Bazar area. No suspect was picked up during the operation.
