Twin blasts rock Imphal on Republic Day, no casualties; insurgent groups boycott celebrations

Twin blasts rocked Manipur's capital Imphal on the occasion of Republic Day today. However, no one has been injured in both the incidents. The first blast took place at Mantripukhri in Imphal East, which is about 5 km from Kangla Fort area, where the state's Republic day parade was organised.

The second blast occurred on the banks of Nambul river near the Manipur college campus in Imphal West. The Coordination Committee, a conglomerate of multiple Manipuri insurgent groups, has called for a boycott of Republic Day celebrations in the state.

The United Naga Council (UNC) has also boycotted the Republic day celebration in seven newly-formed districts in the state. UNC has been continuing its economic blockade of Imphal valley in protest against the state government's decision.

MANIPUR GOVERNOR HOISTS FLAG

Meanwhile, Manipur Governor Najma Heptulla hoisted the tricolour amid tight security in Imphal. Chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh, along with other senior state ministers and dignitaries, were present at the programme.

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Security has been kept on high alert across Imphal and all district headquarters in Manipur for the occasion. Besides police, a large number of Manipur Rifles (MR) and India Reserve Battalion (IRB) personnel have also been deployed across Imphal East and West districts.

In fact, Army chief General Bipin Rawat had also reviewed the security situation in Manipur on his maiden visit to the state after taking charge this week, a few days ahead of Republic Day.

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(WITH INPUTS FROM JIT NIGOMBA IN MANIPUR)