Bomb targets MLA's house as cops continue search
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, January 15 2014 : Even as security measures have been stepped up in Imphal area since few days back in view of the Republic Day celebration, un-identified miscreants exploded a bomb outside the private re-sidence of Nambol AC MLA Nameirakpam Loken, located at Sangaiprou this morning.

Reports culled from the spot suggest that the explosion took place around 4 am near the gate of the MLA's residence.

No casualty has however been reported.

The blast has blown off the roof (CGI sheets) of the gate.

The blast left many holes on the fencing wall besides creating one feet deep crater.

The explosive is suspected to be an IED, according to the locals.

Meanwhile, women folk of the locality staged a sit-in protesting against the bomb attack.

The attack might have been carried out in connection with a monetary demand, the locals said.

Local womenfolk stage sit-in

Strongly condemning the incident, Sangaiprou Apunba Nupi Lup president Naorem Guneshwori sought clarification from all concerned res- ponsible for the bomb attack.

She also urged all concer-ned not to carry out such at- tacks at residential areas in future.

Saying that Manipur has witnessed a number of bomb explosions in the recent past, Guneshwori said such incidents create fear psychosis and panic among the common people.

With less than a fortnight for the Republic Day celebration, security forces continued search operations at different locations of the twin capital districts to ensure the celebration passes off without any major hitch.

Sustaining the search operation that started some days back, Imphal east and Imphal West district police teams assisted by IRB units today sa- nitised some residential pockets including Soibam leikai, Pishum Oinam Leikai, Hao-kip Veng near Palace Com- pound and North AOC.

During the search operation in between Soibam Leikai to Ananda Singh Higher Secondary School crossing that commenced from around 5 am, male members of respective families were lined up on the road for verification process with Government employees who produced identification documents let off earlier than the rest.

Those staying in rented quarters were subjected to more intense scrutiny out of which eight were separated for further verification at Porompat police station.

Similar verification process was initiated at Haokip Veng where the search operation started from around 7.30 am.

There is no report of any detention from the residential pocket.

At Pishum Oinam Leikai, Ningombam Leikai and adjacent localities the search team made up of Imphal West district police and 4th IRB personnel under the command of DSP (Commando) Dr S Ibomcha launched house to house search from around 5.30 am.

during the nearly two-hour pre-emptive security measure 13 persons were picked up for further verification.

The same security team also scanned North AOC area, particularly those manning ticket counters of inter-State bus and taxi operators as well as the travellers/passengers.

There is no report of any formal arrest in these operations.