Temporary market bomb blast : Vendors unhappy with police probe
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, March 14 2015 : Different bodies of vendors working at Khwairamband Keithel have expressed strong displeasure over the way Manipur Police have been investigating into the bomb blast of March 11 at the temporary market shed.

Speaking to media persons on behalf of the Road- side Vendors Welfare Association, Imphal Yen Yon- pham Keithel Development Association, Manipur Keithel Phambi Apunba Lup and LUK, Kshetri Tama Devi pointed out that Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam is yet to fulfil his assurance of providing assistance to the de- ceased as well as injured victims of the particular bomb blasts.

Of all the injured victims, Khundrakpam Medhapati (50) of Kwakeithel Moirang-purel, Moirangthem Thaba (32) of Tentha Khunjao, Md Akbar (45) of Khabeisoi, Imran Khan of Lilong Kalei-khong, Ram Sagar Shah (30) from Bihar, Thounaojam Pushpa (45) of Tera Sapam Leirak and her husband Ibombha are still hospitalised as they sustained graver injuries.

But they have not been given any kind of assistance by the Government till date, Tama decried.

She said that police investigation into the case is far from satisfactory.

Although the spot where the bomb exploded was close to chicken stalls, it was inside a shop which deals in betel nuts on the ground floor of a multi-storeyed building.

Betel nut dealer Anil (40) s/o late Jagdish from Bihar who stayed in rented rooms of the same building disappeared after the bomb blast.

His mobile phone has been switched off.

Before the bomb blast, Anil was seen asking money from adjoining vendors for betel nuts bought from him in a very hasty manner and his conduct was quite unnatural.

No single police personnel came to the spot or enquired anything about the blast.

They did not even ask the identity of the betel nut dealer.

It is simply ridiculous that the Government has a habit pointing its fingers to UG groups every time a bomb explodes.

The Government's presumption that bombs were transported amidst vegetables brought to Khwairamband Bazar is simply unacceptable, Tama said.

Rather than trying to cover up security lapses, the Government should admit the truth and take up necessary remedial measures.

Tama also appealed to all concerned authorities to install lighting system in and around the temporary market shed.

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