Security beefed up for President's visit
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, April 13 2013 : Ahead of Dr Pranab Mukherjee's maiden visit to the State, since becoming President of india, security forces have been taking up various measures to ensure that the high-profile visit passes off without any hitch.

security measures have been tightened up particularly in Imphal East and West districts with teams of police commandos carrying out cordon and search operations at various suspected locations for the past few days even as other State and central paramilitary forces have been deployed for frisking as well as foot patrolling duty as pre-emptive steps.

In connection with the president's visit security 'rehearsal' was carried out by security forces from Tulihal Airport to Rajbhavan this evening during which movement of vehicles were either monitored or prevented by State security forces.

As a part of the ongoing security measures, police commandos under the supervision of DSP (Cdo) S Ibomcha carried out search operation today along Tiddim Road, a route where the President's motorcade would be passing through.

Police verifying youths rounded up during a cordon and search operation

The cordon and search operation launched from early morning covered residential pockets of Khwairakpam Leikai, Konjeng Hajari Leikai and Jailor Leirak.

Even though 11 persons were rounded up and briefly detained at Imphal police station for further verification all have been released later in the day, informed a police source.

At Khurai Lamlong, Puthiba and Arambam Leiraks, Imphal East district carried out cordon and search operation this morning during which 11 persons, including a woman, were rounded up on ground of suspicion.

They were, however, released after verification process.

In the afternoon, police carried of search operations at Andro Parking, Telipati and Sangakpham areas but there is no report of arrest/detention from these places.

Mention may be made that Coordinating Committee of six insurgent organisations have already announced that Dr Mukherjee's visit would be boycotted.

These outfits also given a 26-hour general strike in the State from April 15 morning against the President's visit.

The President is scheduled to arrive here on April 15 to attend the diamond jubilee celebrations of Adimjati Shik-sha Ashram, Chingmeirong.

Police sources informed that despite the President's itinerary confined to Ching-meirong all police stations in both districts have been put on alert to response to any eventualities.

Police have also intensified frisking, checking and patrolling at various strategic areas in Imphal areas, where security measures would be further tightened by utilising police commando teams from Bishnupur and Thoubal districts if the need arises.

Along with unveiling the jubilee's plaque of Adimjati Shiksha Ashram, Dr Mukher-jee is also scheduled to lay the foundation stones of the ashram's boys' hostel, a community hall and a working women's hostel.

The ashram was set up in 1952 at the initiative of India's first President Dr Rajendra Prasad.