Amid tight security, bomb explodes at CM's gate
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 10, 2013:
Making a mockery of the tight security arrangement put around the Chief Minister's bungalow which is guarded by three layers of security forces and despite the intensified security arrangements ahead of Independence Day, uniden-tified persons triggered a bomb blast near the main gate of the bungalow at around 6.25 pm today.
The explosion took place just in front of the CM's bungalow for the second time amidst heightened search operations conducted by police in different areas of Imphal ahead of the Independence Day celebration in recent times.
The bomb exploded on the northern side of the bungalow's main facing West.
However, there was no report of any casualty.
Sources speculated that the bomb was a locally assembled one.
Some portions of the nearby wall were damaged by the impact of the explosion.
Later, Home Minister and Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam inspected the blast site.
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Notably, the CM's bungalow is guarded round the clock both inside and outside the compound wall by CISF and Manipur Police.
CISF was brought in for guarding the bungalow after a grenade attack near the bungalow in October 2008. Manipur Police headquarters is located just adjacent to the CM's bungalow while CRPF personnel guard the Imphal head post office located just across the road.
Following the blast, the Chief Minister convened a meeting with DGP Y Joykumar and other senior police officers where security arrangement in and around the bungalow was reviewed, informed Gaikhangam at a press briefing in his official quarters.
"Even though the blast was not threatening at all, we cannot afford to take it lightly for it took place just in front of the CM's bungalow gate", Gaikhangam stated.
The attackers appeared to be demonstrating that they can attack the bungalow even if they cannot sneak inside.
An enquiry would be done very soon and security arrangements in and around the bungalow would be tightened further.
On being asked about CCTV cameras of Imphal city which have gone out of order, Gaikhangam conceded that the CCTV cameras could not used purposefully because of irregular and insufficient power supply.
Moreover, a clause of maintenance was missing in the agreement signed between the Government and the particular company which installed the CCTV cameras.
Nonetheless, efforts are on to prepare a detailed project report for fitting back-up power line by tapping solar energy, Gaikhangam added.