Big IED Blast Disrupted in Poll-bound Manipur; PM Visit Boycotted: 2 Arrested
On Tuesday, a big attack in Manipur was disrupted after an improvised explosive device (IED) was discovered in the Chandel area. The IED was discovered in a joint operation by the Manipur Police and the Joupi and Phundrei Battalions of the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGAR) (South) under Spear Corps near Kuljang hamlet in the state.
According to reports, security personnel and Manipur Police started an operation based on specific information, which resulted in the timely identification and disarming of the IED by the bomb disposal squad. The IED was designed to disrupt local residents’ and security forces’ movements along the Sugnu – Joupi road.
Meanwhile, troops from Commando Imphal West apprehended Maibam Dhanachandra, an active RPF/PLA cadre from Leikinthabi hamlet, and another of his disclosures, RamiDaphya Amos, from Kangpokpi.
Meanwhile, Ramai Daphya revealed that some members of the NSCN (K) from Senapati came to his residence earlier in January and handed over the IED for safekeeping to be utilised later. He also said that plans were made to employ the IED along the Imphal-Kangpokpi region in the future.
Meanwhile, police in Kangpokpi had to resort to shooting to disperse a large gathering of people who had assembled to seek the release of Ramai Daphya Amos.
However, an inquiry is underway to determine the source and mastermind.
The visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Manipur on 22nd February was boycotted by six banned armed organisations in the state. They’ve also decided to hold a bandh in the state until the Prime Minister leaves for Delhi. On Tuesday, Prime Minister Modi will speak at a campaign rally in Imphal.
Manipur’s assembly elections will be place in two stages on February 28 and March 5.
