Imphal, November 11 2010: Along with the last minute feverish activities being made to bedeck the capital city, security measures in Greater Imphal areas have been stepped up ahead of UPA chairperson and AICC president Sonia Gandhi's scheduled day-long visit to Manipur tomorrow.

Even as flags of Congress party have been hoisted all along the route like Airport Road, BT Road, the traffic island behind Kangla, etc which are expected to be passed through by Sonia Gandhi, hoardings inscribed with welcome address to Sonia Gandhi have been put up in front of the Congress Bhavan.

Transplantation of blooming Marigolds all along the road median from Keishampat bridge upto Nityapat Chuthek is being carried out.

Decorative lights have also been put up in the three due to be inaugurated double-storeyed market sheds of Khwairamband Bazar presenting a spectacular view at night.

However, colouring of walls and attachment of the inaugural plaque were being carried out till late evening today.

On the other hand, stepping up the security measures, Imphal West District Police continued to launch search operation in different parts of the district.

In this connection, DSP (Commando) of Imphal West S Ibomcha informed that security measures in Imphal has already been beefed up over the last 3/4 days keeping in mind the proposed visit of Sonia Gandhi to Manipur on November 12 .

In continuation of the security measures, search operations were conducted at Thangmeiband, Khoyathong and North AOC area today.

Similar operation was also conducted along the Masjid Road of Paona Bazar, the police officer said.

In these operations, around 19 people were detained for further verification.

All of them were, however, released after verification, the police officer added.

Meanwhile, in a statement, Senior SP of Imphal West district L Kailun has informed that public including media shall be allowed to enter from the southern and northern gate of Kangla tomorrow to attend the public meeting to be addressed by Sonia Gandhi.

However, entry from the northern side will be upto 11 am only.

Entry of VIPs and officials from the western gate will be closed 45 minutes before the arrival of VVIPs.

All armed escorts and vehicles shall be parked at GM Hall to LIC section and southern part of LIC to Minuthong.

Carrying of items such as mobile phone, water bottle, fire crackers, bags, lighting device, contraband substances and any other items which can be used as explosive or projectiles shall be prohibited.

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