Saturday, January 7 2006 14:31 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Imphal: Unidentified militants today (Jan 07, 2006) attempted to ambush a central police force by exploding a powerful bomb but missed their target at Keinou area in Bishenpur district even as a 24-hour strike hit normal life in Manipur, official sources said.

The militants, who planted a powerful bomb at the roadside in Keinou 26 kms south of the state capital, set off the explosive using a remote-controlled device seconds after a party of central reserve police forces passed through the area, they said.

Official reports said no one sustained injuries from the splinters of the bomb.

Sources said heavy police reinforcements from nearby Nambol police station have been rushed to the spot and a manhunt has been launched to track down the militants who reportedly escaped towards nearby hill areas.

Meanwhile, a 24-hour general strike called by student organisations protesting against the recent killing of IG Police (Intelligence) T Thangthuam and his escort commander Khamkha Jam by insurgents crippled normal life in the state.

Oficial reports said markets, shops, business establishments remained closed while all private vehicles stayed off the roads in response to the strike called by Paite students' association, Kuki students' organisation and Vaiphei students' organisation.

Attendance in government offices was 'much below normal', reports said adding that all transport services between Manipur and neighbouring states, and between state capital Imphal and district headquarters were also cancelled.