Another blast in Manipur, no casualty

Suspected militants triggered yet another blast in poll-bound Manipur when a powerful bomb exploded at Singjamei Kakwa bazar area in Imphal West district this evening.Official sources said the bomb, planted by some unidentified person at the Kakwa bazar area, went off triggering panic but there was no casualty.Today's blast took place barely three days after a bomb exploded outside the residence of Manipur Assembly Speaker I Hemachandra Singh at Singemei in Imphal West district killing one passer-by but no one was hurt.On January 10, at least seven persons were injured in a blast at Thangmeiband area in Imphal West district in the state where assembly polls will be held on January 28.Militants have so far attempted to set off grenade blasts at at least 15 places targeting Congress candidates and their supporters in valley districts since the poll dates were announced on the grounds that the party was opposing their movements.Unidentified militants also attacked a Trinamool Congress candidate a few days ago, police said.Today's blast also comes a day ahead of the Republic Day celebrations. Seven militant groups including HNLC, KLO, NLFT and ULFA have called for boycotting the festivities.