Imphal, December 19: Joining the outcry against the December 16 bomb blast which claimed eight lives besides injuring more than 20, Governor Dr SS Sidhu has termed it a sheer act of barbarism.

Stating that the act deserved strong condemnation from all sections of the Society, the Governor conveyed deep pain at the cowardly act of planting and setting off the bomb.

He also advised the State Government to take up effective action against the perpetrators of the heinous crime so that the rule of law and respect for authority is ensured, conveyed a Raj Bhavan release.

The BJP Manipur Pradesh has also come out strongly against the December 16 bomb blast at Pourabi.

In a press release, BJP termed the bomb blast an act of terror.

The Senior Citizens for Society has also condemned the blast in the strongest term.