Imphal, Jan 5: An Assam Rifles jawan was killed and another injured when two powerful IED (Improvised Explosive Devices) were detonated at Lilong Usoipokpi Sangomsang in Thoubal district on Wednesday, police said.

Police said that the blasts took place when the troops of the 16 battalion of the Assam Rifles were patrolling in the hilly area of the southern part of the state and few other para-military jawans were taking rest near a water supply pump.

The Assam Rifles jawan L. Wangshu died on the spot after the explosion. His injured colleague has been shifted to a nearby hospital.

Local MLA of Lilong Yumkhaibam Antas Khan and a police team led by senior officials have rushed to the area.

Further details of the incident are awaited.

Wednesday’s IED blasts are the fourth such detonations in 50 days in Manipur, though none has been arrested so far in connection with these explosions. Also, no militant outfit or any inimical group has claimed responsibility for the blasts yet.

The earlier three incidents on November 18, December 15 and 29 also occurred in the wee hours and none was injured in these explosions, though properties were damaged.

Security forces, including the Army and Assam Rifles, are on high alert after the series of incidents, especially after the deadliest terror attack in the region on November 13 in which an Assam Rifles Colonel, his wife and son, and four jawans of the para-military force were gunned down in Churachandpur district bordering Myanmar.

Months ahead of the Assembly elections in Manipur, militant activities have increased in the state, forcing the authorities to ask the security forces to intensify vigil in the sensitive and vulnerable areas.

Elections to the 60-seat Manipur Assembly are likely to be held in February-March this year, along with Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Uttarakhand and Goa.