Imphal: Unidentified militants on Monday exploded a powerful bomb near the house of a Trinamool Congress candidate P Premananda at Naharupa area but there was no report of any casualty, official sources said.

The militants set off the bomb at around 11.30 am when Premananda, the Trinamool Congress candidate of Kshetrigao constituency in Imphal East district was hoisting the party flag at his house in connection with the January 28 state assembly election, the sources said.

Premananda was a prominent student leader of the All Manipur Students' Union before he joined the Trinamool Congress.

Police rushed to the spot but militants escaped before the police arrival, the sources said adding no individual or group has so far claimed responsibility.

On January 2 last, militants exploded bomb at the house of Trinamool Congress candidate Joy Kishan in Thangmeiband assembly constituency in Imphal west district in which seven persons were injured, sources said.

Joy Kishan is contesting against the NCP leader and former chief Minister Radhabinod Koijam in Thangmeiband assembly constituency.

Militant outfit People's Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK) had said earlier that they were responsible for exploding bomb at the house of Joy Kishan because he was a former member of the party.

As per 'constitution' of the PREPAK, no former member should contest the elections held under Indian constitution, they had said.

PTI