High security breached
Bomb planted at Parijat's residence
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 08: A hand grenade was found placed by unidentified persons at the official quarters of Health Minister Pheiroijam Parijat located near Kanglapat here at around 8.30 am today.

The Minister said that he suspects that the bomb may have been placed as a threat by those who are opposed to the recent Cabinet decision of providing guns to the people of Heirok and Chajing.

Significantly the bomb was planted at the official residence of the Minister despite the the strict security measures that have been put into place by the SPF Government in the wake of the recent bomb blast at the high security zone Babupara and fitting of a bomb in a rickshaw near the Mapal Kangjeibung where the Governor was to pass through.

The tracks left by the grenade

On hearing the news, top officials of the Police Department rushed to the Minister's quarters to investigate.

The bomb was detonated safely after being retrieved by the bomb squad of the State police later during the day.

Placing of the bomb near the outhouse of the Minister's quarter was detected first of all by one of the workers who came to meet the Minister while going to answer nature's call.

Ph Parijat was reportedly has not been staying at his official quarters since yesterday.

The Minister heard the news of bomb only when he returned from his Nongada Makha Leikai private residence this morning.

Parijat had taken along with him all the 16 personnel of 6 MR provided to him as security escort.

Only seven persons including two Home Guard personnel remained at the quarters.

Talking to mediapersons in connection with the incident today , the Minister said that the bomb might have been placed as a threat in connection with the recent Cabinet decision of providing guns to the people of Heirok and Chajing by taking advantage of his absence and security personnel or it may be related to lifting of the rice quota of his A/C for distribution among the people in defiance of the UG diktat. Coming out strongly against placing of the bomb in his official quarters, Parijat expressed concern that many innocent people may have been either killed or hurt if the bomb had been exploded.

So such incident should not be repeated, he appealed.

To a question on whether there was any security lapses, the Minister replied in the negative stating that the bomb was not likely to have been hurled but placed by some people who gained entry in the guise of visitors.

The Minister added that in case the people of his A/C demanded guns to protect themselves and fight against anti-social elements, he would concede to the demand and in fact he had assured the people of doing the needful in case they have such a demand.