Security beefed up ahead of Patil's visit
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, March 06 2011: Stringent security measures have been taken up at Imphal West and Imphal East as pre-emptive measures in view of the scheduled visit of President Pratibha Devising Patil to Manipur on March 11 .

Besides conducting surprise frisking and checking at strategic areas including Paona Bazaar, Thangal Bazaar, Bir Tikendrajit road and Dharamsala, elaborate arrangements have also made to guard vital installations at the capital.

The services of paramilitary forces including the BSF and CRPF have also been roped in to assist the State police while beautification works in the city areas and places where the President is scheduled to visit are underway on a war footing.

The President will arrive on Thursday afternoon, official sources said adding that during her maiden visit, she will lay the foundation stones of the National Institute of Technology (Nit) at Lamphelpat and Information Technology Park at Mantripukhri in Imphal.

Besides launching the State Data Centre and SWAN project, the President, who is also the supreme commander of the Indian armed forces, will also interact with Chairpersons of Manipur Women Development Corporation and State Social Welfare Board and some selected SHGs.

"We have left nothing to chance and security has been beefed up and kept alert round the clock to ensure that nothing untoward happens during President's visit," Senior Superintendent of Police (Imphal West) L Kailun said today.

Important places including the Raj Bhawan, the Chief Minister's bungalow, private and official residences of Ministers, legislators and senior officials, headquarters of many State Government Departments and some Central Government units are situated in Imphal West.

Incidentally the CM's bungalow-cum-office and the Raj Bhawan had come attacks from rebels many times earlier.

"Besides conducting frequent checking and operations at strategic areas at the capital, we have deployed additional forces to guard important points like Raj Bhawan, CM's bungalow, Secretariat, Assembly houses, and airport etc," the senior police officer said adding that patrol teams in all its optimum strength have also been fanned out.

While the CRPF and BSF troops are assisting the police, the Assam Rifles has provided environmental security, the senior SP said.

Meanwhile beautification works at various streets through which the President is scheduled to pass through during her visit and the places she would visit have taken up on a war footing.

Straight after landing at Imphal airport in a special Indian Air force aircraft on Thursday evening at 4 pm the president will move to Raj Bhawan where a meeting with Governor Gurbachand Jagat and Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh is scheduled.

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