Imphal, March 22: An Assam Rifles jawan was killed and two persons were injured when a powerful bomb exploded while security forces were conducting a search operation in Thoubal district this morning.

Sources said residents of the area near Yairipok Malom village under Yairipok police station had reported a suspicious object in the vicinity in the morning, following which the police had cordoned off the area, around 25km from here, and launched a combing operation around 8am. Later, personnel from 15th Assam Rifles battalion had joined them.

An improvised explosive device (IED) planted by the roadside was detonated by remote control around 10am, injuring three Assam Rifles personnel. Though they were immediately airlifted to Leimakhong army hospital on the outskirts of this town, one of them succumbed to his injuries. The other two wounded persons are out of danger, an Assam Rifles source said.

The People’s Liberation Army (PLA), which is said to be active in the area, has claimed responsibility for the attack.

On February 26, an Assam Rifles havildar was killed and three jawans were injured when PLA rebels exploded a powerful bomb, planted by the roadside, by using a remote-controlled device at Kangbai area in Churachandpur district.