Imphal: Underground Revolutionary People's Front (RPF), political wing of the banned People's Army, on August 16 claimed responsibility for the August 14 bomb blast at Lilong area in Imphal West district of Manipur in which six persons were killed and 15 others seriously injured, a statement issued by the outfit said.

Assistant publicity secretary of the RPF Lily Leima said the bomb targeted to explode Indian forces but due to ''mechanical failure'' it exploded and tore passenger bus into pieces.

Expressing ''sorry'' for the incident, the underground outfit which is known for ''bomb explosion'' in Manipur said it had never targeted any civilian population before and it would never do so in future.

Six bus passengers including three women were killed on August 14 and 15 others seriously injured when a bomb planted by unidentified militants exploded at the Northern point of Lilong bridge in Imphal West district, official sources said.

PTI