No casualties reported; SAPO condemns incident, urges public vigilance and cooperation with investigating agencies
A low-intensity suspected Improvised Explosive Device (IED) blast was reported along National Highway 2 near Khuzama village under Kohima district on Wednesday morning, damaging a retaining wall. No casualties have been reported.
According to Akashvani News Kohima, the blast occurred at around 7:30 a.m. on November 11.
Confirming the incident, Additional Superintendent of Police and PRO, Kohima Police, stated that the Sub-Divisional Police Officer (South), along with the Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS), Mobile Unit and personnel from other police stations, had reached the site.
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio condemned the incident, stating that such acts had no place in a civilised society.
The Southern Angami Public Organisation (SAPO) also strongly condemned the suspected blast, expressing concern over the incident and describing it as an attack on the peace and security of the people of Southern Angami and Nagaland.
In a press statement issued on November 11, SAPO said the blast occurred between 7 am and 7:30 am and damaged a retaining wall along the highway. It noted that no loss of life or civilian injury had been reported.
Describing the highway as a vital route used daily by students, farmers, commuters, patients, tourists and security personnel, SAPO said planting an explosive device along a public road posed a serious threat to civilian safety.
The organisation appealed to citizens to remain calm and vigilant and not to succumb to rumours, panic or speculation. It urged the public to report any suspicious objects, movements or persons to village authorities or the nearest police station.
SAPO also pledged its cooperation with the Nagaland Police, Khuzama Police Station and other investigating and security agencies, and called for those responsible for the incident to be identified and brought to justice.
The organisation expressed solidarity with the people of Khuzama and reaffirmed its commitment to peace and security in the region.
