Imphal, November 03 2008: In yet another instance of serious security lapses, an object suspected to be a bomb was found abandoned outside the main gate of Raj Bhawan, the official residence of Governor here today.

Though it turned out that the bag contained only five Kgs of rice wrapped in a polythene bag along with some clothes, serious concern has been raised over the apparent security lapses in the highly fortified area.

Interestingly, the incident occured just two days after the State Police Department issued a statement alerting the public on possible bomb attacks on the line of the latest serial blasts in Assam.

The DGP who had issued the statement had also stressed on the need to verify the character and antecedents of those who are staying as tenants in various localities.

Following the detection of the suspicious object lying outside the main gate of the Raj BhaWan, Imphal city was besieged with traffic jam with all the important roads sealed and unsuspected public caught by surprise.

According to information received by the press, at around 11.15 am today, an unidentified youth had sauntered up to the main gate of Raj Bhawan and after speaking something in Manipuri to the armed CRPF personnel on duty at the right side of the main gate of Raj Bhavan left leaving behind a red colour bag.

Unaware of anything left behind by the departing youth, the CRPF personnel were under the impression that the abandoned bag must be belonging to the State police personnel who are on duty on the opposite side of the gate.

When it was finally confirmed that the bag did not belong to any of the police personnel on duty suspicion was raised and the matter was reported.

SSP of the district L Kailun also arrived at the scene soon after and supervised his sub-ordinates in cordoning off the area.

When the bomb experts of the State Police Department arrived and checked the content of the bag, it only turned out to be some cloths and a polythene bag containing rice bringing a sigh of relieve to all.

Before the content of the bag was verified, the road in front of the Raj Bhavan had been sealed leading to a traffic jam along all the important roads of Imphal.

Governor Gurchand Jagat was reportedly not present at Raj Bhavan when the incident occurred.

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