Imphal blast toll 17, KCP faction claims responsibility

“Lagao is a form of gambling which is alien to Meitei culture and it needs to be stopped,” said the statement signed by Lanheiba Meitei, leader of the KCP(MC), one of the several factions of the original KCP that was formed in 1980. Named after the historical name of Manipur, Kangleipak, the KCP is more concerned with preservation of Meitei culture and demands secession of Manipur from India.

The blast had occurred at around 7:30 PM at Ragailong, a locality on the outskirts of Imphal and killed 17 persons, most of whom were engaged in lagao, a game of dice that becomes increasingly popular in the Manipur capital around diwali. Sources said at least 20 persons are undergoing treatment in the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences while some are in the JN Hospital too.