Imphal militants hurl grenades at private residences

Militants hurled powerful grenades at two houses, including that of a senior Manipur government official, but they failed to explode, officials said today.

The ultras lobbed grenade at the house of superintendent of Chandel district Hospital, Khagembam Radheshyam at Lilong Chajing area in Thoubal district last night. The police later defused it.

Some militants, who claimed to be members of Kangleipak Communist Party-Khaba Metei (KCP-KM) faction, had demanded payment of Rs10 lakhs from the official few weeks ago, according to his family.

No individual or group has so far claimed responsibility for hurling the grenade.

In another incident, militants lobbed a powerful grenade at the house of Upa-Adhyaksa of Thoubal Jila Parishad, Phuritsabam Jiten last night, they said.