Indian Soldiers Injured in Grenade Blast

On Thursday suspected militants threw a grenade at an Indian army convoy in Manipur state, injuring two soldiers.

The attack took place at a market in Imphal at around 5:30 in the evening.

The convoy of four vehicles was traveling from Imphal to Thoubal when the attack took place near the busy market.

Officials say the two soldiers belong to the Assam Rifles, one of the country's oldest anti-insurgency paramilitary forces.

One of the injured was taken to a local hospital and the other to an army hospital.

[I. Hemochandra Singh, State Legislator, Manipur]:

"I am told that he (the injured) belongs to Assam Rifles. One rifleman is here. I am told that the other army man who has been injured has been rushed to an army hospital, which we are trying to confirm."

Two civilians also received minor injuries in the attack.

"Around 5:30 p.m. the bomb blast took place. At that time I was on a rickshaw. I saw a convoy of army was also there. Then suddenly there was a blast and I got injured. They were coming from the northern side and heading toward the southern side."

Security forces have launched a massive manhunt to nab the culprits.

No militant groups have taken responsibility for the attack.

More than 20 militant groups operate in the state, some demanding independence or greater autonomy.

Thousands have been killed in the prolonged insurgency in Manipur in the past few decades.

 http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/ns_asia/2009-11-20/168858937098.html