Assembly complex grenade attack : Security man, 'UNLF woman cadre' held
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 18 2018:
One Assistant Sub Inspector of Manipur State Assembly security has been arrested by Imphal West district police in connection with his alleged involvement in the double hand grenade attack inside the Assembly complex on November 16 which injured one BSF personnel and two security staff of the Assembly.
Speaking to media persons at a press conference held at Imphal West SP Conference hall today evening, Haobijam Jogeschandra (SP, Imphal West) said that an intense investigation was launched (and is still on) in connection with the double hand grenade attack at gate number 2 of the State Legislative Assembly by some unknown persons after a sou moto case was registered at Lamphel PS.
During the course of the investigation and acting on reliable information about the identity of the co-accused involved in the attack, a team of Imphal West district police went to Manipur Legislative Secretariat and questioned Yumnam Deben (56) s/o Y Birchandra of Nambol Maibam Chingmang who has been working as the ASI of the Assembly Security.
During the preliminary interrogation, Y Deben admitted that he frequently made contact with UNLF members for some works.
Further, Deben disclosed that he received Rs 1,31,000 from one self styled Major Panthoibi of UNLF and police recovered the said amount from his residence.
The SP further explained that Deben was suspected to be involved in the incident of the double bomb attack at Assembly complex and informed that Deben will be handed over to Lamphel PS for taking up necessary legal actions.
On the other hand, Imphal West district police arrested one active member (female) of UNLF along with the recovery of Rs 2,31,000 which is to be distributed for the coming rising day of UNLF on November 24, the SP added.
The SP also said that the arrested woman, identified as Sandham (N) Laishram (O) Sangeeta (42) w/o Laishram Amarjit of Lamboi Khongnangkhong Awang Leikai, is also a member of the women civil society organization, Tammi Chingmi Apunba Nupi Lup.
He informed that acting on specific information about the presence of some active women members of UNLF in and around Lamboi Khongnangkhong area early today morning, a team of Imphal West district police rushed to the spot and conducted a search operation at the house of Laishram Amarjit of Lamboikhongnangkhong Awang Leikai and during that operation, Sangeeta was detained on suspicion.
During questioning, Sangeeta revealed that she is an active member of UNLF and is working under the command of self styled Major Panthoibi and self styled Major Umakanta.
She further revealed that Panthoibi is presently staying in Myanmar.
On searching the house thoroughly, a black polythene bag containing Rs 2,31,000 was recovered from an almirah kept inside the bedroom of the house.
Sangeeta further revealed that the money is party fund (UNLF) and it should be distributed to the families of deceased cadres of the outfit, and that the said money was handed over to her by one unknown person sent by Panthoibi through self styled Major Umakanta.
Sangeeta was arrested from her residence after observing necessary formalities and handed over to Lamphel PS for taking up necessary legal action, the SP said and added that it is very unfortunate that the leaders of Meira Paibis and CSOs are found involved in carrying out prejudicial activities.
He then appealed to the leaders of Meira Paibis and CSOs not to involve in such activities in the future.