IED blast kills two paramilitary troops in northeastern India

At least two troops belonging to paramilitary Assam Rifles were killed and six others wounded Monday in an improvised explosive device (IED) blast in India's northeastern state of Manipur, officials said.

The IED went off in Chandel district, 64 km south of Imphal city, the capital of Manipur.

"Two personnel of Assam Rifles were killed and six others wounded in an IED blast today in Chandel district," an official said.

Officials said the paramilitary troops were on a routine patrol in the area.

Local media reported that the wounded troops were removed to hospital using a chopper.

So far no militant outfit operating in the state has claimed responsibility of the attack.

The attack has come after a brief lull, reports said.

Manipur is a conflict-ridden state in India's northeast. Several separatist groups in the state have run long armed insurgency demanding separation from Indian union. The groups often target Indian armed forces.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)