Manipur ceasefire runs into rough weather

IMPHAL, March 14: The one month long unilateral ceasefire offered by the state government and the 15 day truce of the Army authority received a serious setback when suspected militants struck in a big way killing one Assam rifle jawan and one 7 month old infant in a bomb attack at Sangakpham, Chingmeirong under Heingang police station last evening. One Assam Rifles personnel and four civilians were also injured in the powerful bomb blast. The bomb was found planted near the gate of the newly constructed residence of 12 MR CO Lokendro. Reports said the bomb exploded with a powerful intensity as 12 Bn Assam rifles stationed at Mantripukhri were proceeding towards Heingang side on foot patrol. The deceased Assam Rifles personnel is identified as Bachu Singh (36). The 7-month-old infant girl is identified as Sophia daughter of M Angangjao of Awang Sekmai. The child was with her mother when splinters of the bomb hit her head killing her on the spot. However the mother, Shila miraculously escaped unscathed. According to police the bomb may have been fitted with a timer or was activated by remote control. The bomb was found fitted to a rickshaw carrying firewood, they said. The identity of the owner of the rickshaw is yet to be ascertained. Splinters of the bomb also hit the gate of the newly constructed residence of CO, Lokendro. In yet another blow to the unilateral ceasefire, three BSF jawans were injured when unidentified gunmen opened fire towards a foot patrol party of 80 Bn BSF on Monday at about 7.30 am at Phougakchao Ikhai near Kangvai located about 11 kms north of Churachandpur police station. The security personnel also returned fire and a brief encounter ensued. However there is no report of any casualty on the side of the militants. The injured BSF personnel are stated to be out of danger. The 2nd Bn BSF attached to Sugunu police station also came under attack from militants yesterday at about 7.30 pm. In another incident, one brother was killed while his two younger brothers were injured in a powerful bomb explosion at Leimakhong Khunkha Naga village in the morning of March 9, said reports reaching here. The bomb was found by the brothers from a spot between the firing range of Leimakhong and Leimakhong Khunkha Naga village. Reports said the brothers brought the bomb and placed it on the courtyard of their house. The bomb exploded when the eldest brother, AB Bolungbou (20) kicked the bomb killing him on the spot. Meanwhile a 15-year-old youth was admitted to RIMS hospital when unidentified persons lobbed a grenade during the Thabal Chongba at the ground of Nganu Leima club, Khaidem Makha Leikai under Patsoi Police station on March 8 at 10 pm.