Four blasts near R-Day function venue in Manipur

Imphal, Jan 26 (IANS) Four low intensity blasts were on Monday triggered near the venue of the main Republic Day function here in the Manipur capital, police said. No one was injured.

"The blasts occurred at Polem Leikai, Yaiskul, New Chekkon and Hatta, all near the Kangla Fort, where the main function of the Republic Day was held. No one was injured in the blasts," a police official said.

All blasts occurred between 7 a.m. and noon.

Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh unfurled the national flag at Kangla Fort, and appealed to militants groups to shun violence and join the mainstream for development of the state.

"Violence will bring nothing good for the state and make people suffer," he said.

Every year, before Republic Day and Independence Day, insurgents call for a boycott of the national day functions, and attack security forces and government installations.

In view of a strike called by the northeast militant outfits including Manipur-based United National Liberation Front, Revolutionary Peoples Front and Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup, markets, shops and business establishments were closed in most parts of the state.

Transport services between Manipur and the neighbouring states were also cancelled in view of the strike.

At least eight IED (improvised explosive device) blasts took place in many places in Imphal in less than five days till Sunday.