Imphal, January 20 2010: With no sign of let up in violent attacks and underground activities, high security alert has been sounded to ensure smooth conduct of the forthcoming Republic Day celebration in the State.

Inspite of adequate presence of security force personnel in important locations of the State capital, frequent bomb attacks continue to give the men in uniform sleepless nights particularly with the most recent explosion taking place near the private residence of State's Director General of Police Y Joykumar.

Last night at about 10, two hand grenades were exploded by unidentified persons at naoremthong Laishram Leirak, the same locality where the police chief also lives.

When queried on the prevailing situation, Additional Superintendent of Police (Imphal West) Ak Jhaljit said, "In view of the forthcoming Republic Day celebrations, we have taken up strict security measures in and around the capital" .

"Besides fanning out commandos in and around the city areas, we have also intensified conduct sudden combing operations at strategic market places," the police officer said adding that members of central para military forces are also assisting the police.

Regarding the twin blast yesterday, he said investigation has begun to gather more details on the incident and to establish facts on which UG group, if any, is involved in triggering the blast.

No one has so far been arrested in connection with the incident, Jhaljit added.

The explosion had caused injuries to two persons including one Laithangbam Angouton alias Priyokumar (30) of Uripok Achom Leikai, who is supposed to get married on January 25 .

Angouton along with the other injured person identified as Saikhom Tejbir (26) were returning home after dropping some relatives at Takyel Kolom Leikai when the explosion took place on the northern end of the Naoremthong (bridge).

Angouton's condition is stated to be serious.

Official sources said around 500 police commandos are operating in Imphal West district covering an area where the Governor, chief minister and other VIPs live.

Despite strong presence of security forces, activists of banned outfits had carried out bomb attacks on the CM's bungalow and Raj Bhavan in the last few years.

All state head offices and most central government establishments and nationalized banks are also located within Imphal municipality areas.