High security zone breached, Gaikhangam tells DGP to beef up security
Grenade found in Old Secretariat complex
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, September 12 2012:
Police bomb squad personnel retrieved a Chinese hand-grenade from inside the high security Old Secretariat complex this afternoon.
The explosive device was reportedly spotted by some employees among polythene bag wastes near the garage of Secretariat complex, which is located on the western side of the main road.
While the grenade was safely retrieved and taken away by the bomb squad team at around 3 pm, Imphal West police personnel cordoned off the Secretariat complex.
With the exception of officials no one was allowed to either enter or exit the complex for some time.
According to an informed source, Ministers as well as the Chief Secretary were not present at the Secretariat complex when the bomb was being removed as they were attending a Cabinet meeting.
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Reacting to the incident, Home Minister Gaikhangam construed that it was an act by UGs to demonstrate their presence while not ruling out possibility of UG activists becoming more active on account of arrival of raising day celebration of some armed groups.
Describing as fortunate that no major incident had occurred due to timely detection of the grenade, the Minister asserted that as UGs had the audacity to plant bomb at places like the high security Secretariat complex security measures would be further enhanced.
In the presence of mediapersons, Gaikhangam telephoned the DGP and issued strict instructions to take up appropriate security measures.
The Old secretariat complex is guarded by personnel of CRPF, State police and CID.
Offices of the Home Minister and the Chief Secretary are also located in the complex.
Police said that the hand grenade was safely exploded Lamphelpat area.