Police seek public help
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, April 04 2009: In the backdrop of explosive devices found in various parts of the capital town in the past few days, which the KCP (MC) Lanheiba group claimed to have planted, the Police department has urged cooperation of the public to prevent undesired consequences.

Moreover, the Police Department in a statement issued yesterday suggested various precautionary measures for public safety in addition to urging conveyance of information regarding detection of explosive devices.

In the police statement issued by the DGP Y Joykumar, the public have been reminded of past incidents wherein disruptive elements/UGs triggered explosions that slain or maimed civilians.

Mentioning that in the last few days police teams recovered IEDs from Indira Park, Jama Masjid (Babupara) and along the bank of kangla Pat (moat) near the Judge's Bungalow, the police chief referring to the claim by the KCP group said these IEDs were planted to cause extensive damage to life and property, with a view to undermine the State Government.

people rounded up during cordon and search operation in Paona Bazar areas being interrogated by police personnel

There has also been a series of hurling Chinese hand-grenades by cadres of various militant outfits targeting houses of persons, who have not obliged to their (UGs) extortion demands, Joykumar noted.

Describing as fortunate (for the public) that the three IEDs planted by KCP (MC) Lanheiba group were detected by manipur police before the blast took place, he further said 'it is clear from the insane uttering and attitude of various militants, ventilated through their various press releases, that they do not care about safety or welfare of the general public but are bent upon extracting their demand of extortion or other by any means'.

not ruling out possibility of militant outfits resorting to setting off blasts at crowded public places and important routes targeting the general public and commuter in public carriers, the DGP sought cooperation of the general public to prevent commission of such acts by disruptive elements.

As pre-emptive measures, the Police statement conveyed to the public to avoid unnecessary crowding; contact police control room in case of observing parking of unattended vehicles; check antecedents of vehicle owners before entertaining parking of vehicles in front of houses/shops etc.; avoid touching of suspicious/abandoned objects; refuse gift/packet from unknown person; check surroundings/any unusual changes; and remain vigilant regarding suspicious behaviour of strangers.

The DGP further highlighted past instances of various militant outfits utilising services of drug-addicts/young widows/women cadres for transportation/delivery of demand letters/arms/bombs etc, and urged parents/relatives of such persons to advise these categories of people to refrain from being used as pawns by the militant outfits.

Actions initiated/committed by such group people will only lead to miseries on themselves and their near and dear ones, apart from causing harm to the general public, the DGP expressed.

The public have been urged to convey any related information for ensuring public safety and avoidance of damage of property to the DGP Control Room 2451100, 2450100, or only 100); SP Control Room (Imphal west district/Code No.0385/950385) 2450214; Control Room (Imphal East district Code No.0385/950385) 2452669; CR (Bishnupur district Code No.953879) 222339; and CR (Thoubal district Code No.953848) 223771 .