IMPHAL, August 10: Call it the lapse in the security measure, a bomb was exploded right in front of the main gate of Manipur Chief Minister’s bungalow here around 6:30 pm Saturday but no human casualty was reported in the explosion. The explosion took place amidst tight security taken up by state police ahead of the Independence Day celebrations in Imphal city.
Today’s blast has come amidst tight security measures being taken up in the run up to the Independence Day celebration. Search operations and frisking have been intensifying in the past ten days in and around Imphal so that no untoward incident happens during this year’s Independence Day celebrations.
This evening, minutes after the blast at the high security zone, Manipur Home minister Gaikhangam, Deputy Director General of Police Y Joykumar and top police officials rushed to the spot.
No arrest was made so far in connection with the incident. After the blast, heavy police personnel present at the site conducted a cordon and search operation in the area around the Chief Minister’s bungalow.
Gaikhangam who is also the state Home Minister condemned the blast and said it was ‘unfortunate.’
He said the public will sense a security lapse over the explosion that took place at the heavily-guarded bungalow and underscored the need for re-arranging, strengthening and regulating the security measures.
Earlier, militants carried out an attack on the bungalow.
He said, “The Home Department takes the Saturday’s blast seriously. We have discussed the matter very seriously.”
Gaikhangam said the security personnel providing protection to the public as well as the Government need to execute their duties sincerely.
Asked about the CCTVs installed in Imphal city, including the Chief Minister’s bungalow, Gaikhangam informed reporters that the state Government now cannot maintain most of them well due to certain reasons. He, however, said that these CCTVs will be repaired soon.
The Deputy Chief Minister while expressing concern over the reported kidnapping of two officials of state Horticulture Department said the Government believes the duo will be freed safe and sound very soon as negotiations are on to secure their release.
He appealed to the concerned militant group to release the two officials safely and warned of stringent actions to militant organizations that are often indulged in kidnapping for ransom.
The two officials of Manipur Government’s Horticulture Department were reportedly abducted by suspected Kuki militants near Kanglatombi bazaar under Sekmai Police Station in Senapati district on the night of August 8.
Gaikhangam also urged the militant groups which are under Suspension of Operation (SoO) and ceasefire not to violate the agreements and to think for peace.
Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/bomb-blasts-in-front-of-cms-residence/
