Exchange of fire between security forces, militants in Manipur

Imphal: Heavy exchange of fire on Tuesday took place between militants and security personnel escorting two Manipur ministers from interior Senapati district but there was no report of any casualty, officials said.

Manipur Works minister Kh Ratankumar and Irrigation and Flood Control minister Ngamthang Haokip were proceeding towards Senapati district headquarters when suspected ultras fired at their security party at Gopibung area, about 40 km from here on Imphal-Dimapur-Guwahati national highway, they said. The security personnel escorting the two ministers returned fire and the exchange of fire between the two sides lasted for some minutes during which the militants escaped through thick hilly jungles, the officials said. It was not immediately known if there was any casualty on the side of the militants, they said, adding that the two ministers later proceeded towards Senapati district. In another incident last night, suspected militants exploded a powerful bomb at the private residence of Imphal Urban Cooperative Bank president Thokchom Dilip at Shingjamei area near here, officials said. A portion of the gate and its surrounding areas were partly damaged in the explosion, they said. Locals condemned the attack and launched a sit-in protest against the incident today at Shingjamei area, officials said, adding that no individual or group has claimed responsibility for the crime so far. Police said they would investigate whether the attack was connected with monetary demand from Dilip by a militant outfit. Dilip was not immediately available for comment. PTI