Blast near MLA's residence draws CM's ire
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 04 2019:
A powerful blast at an open space near the residence of Khurai AC MLA of the BJP, Lesangthem Susindro alias Yaima today at about 4 pm sent Chief Minister N Biren and top notch police officers of the State including DGP LM Khaute rushing to the place to
inquire.
The MLA is from Khurai Sajor Leikai under Porompat police station under Imphal East police station.
Chief Minister N Biren who visited the residence of the MLA later in the evening expressed strong suspicion that the bomb attack might
be related to the recent strong- worded statements made by MLA Yaima about distribution of rice NFSA.
N Biren visited the bomb attack site this evening and talked with L Yaima and his family.
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Terming the bomb attack as very unfortunate, the Chief Minister asserted that the attack ought to be condemned by all the people in the strongest terms.
Recently, the State Government launched an intensive investigation into whether subsidised rice is provided under NFSA to the people properly or not.
The Government's initiative might have hurt the interests of some people.
In connection with the matter, MLA Yaima made some strong-worded statements in favour of truth and justice, Biren stated.
The State Government has been considering introducing biometrics system for distribution of NFSA rice to beneficiaries through FPS agents.
Yet, it could not be said with any certainty that the attack was carried out in retaliation to what the MLA stated.
Moreover, no group has so far claimed responsibility for the attack, the Chief Minister stated.
The Government will fight all challenges to people's rights and benefits they are entitled to and such attacks will never deter the Government, Biren asserted.
While police have launched an investigation into the blast, the Government is examining the possible motives behind the attack.
To get to the bottom of the attack, the Government has been considering to hand over the case to an agency like NIA and the DGP has been given instruction on the matter.
The attack was targeting a people's representative and the perpetrators would be arrested certainly, Biren added.
DGP Khaute who arrived at the spot earlier than the Chief Minister said that he would put the case before the State Government with the suggestion that the NIA be roped in to investigate the blast.
According to information from the spot as well as the locals, the powerful blast (suspected to be caused by an IED) partially damaged some tin walls.
The source also mentioned that the MLA was present at his residence when the blast occurred and some 30 minutes after the blast, he was seen leaving in his vehicle along with his security escort.
The locals conveyed that it is fortunate that no one was injured in the blast and they strongly condemned the violent act in a residential area thus creating panic among the people.
Soon after the blast, a team of Imphal East district police led by SP Haobijam Jogeschandra arrived at the spot and cordoned off the area for investigation by State forensic experts.
Later DGP LM Khaute also arrived at the spot and visited the residence of MLA L Susindro.
Speaking to media persons, the DGP said that the case will be thoroughly probed.
He also said that the Police Department intends to propose the Government to ask for an NIA investigation.