Imphal Readies To Roll Out Carpet For Rahul Gandhi, Security Beefed Up Ahead Of Visit
Bomb fitted car explodes on eve of high profile visit, 2 hurt
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 09 2012: Even as tight security has been put in place in Imphal and greater Imphal areas for the high profile visit of AICC general secretary Rahul Gandhi tomorrow, two BSF personnel sustained injuries when a car fitted bomb exploded at Koubru Leikha along NH-2 under Sapermaina PS in Senapati district this morning.

The spot where the bomb blast occured is located about 25 kms from Imphal.

Meanwhile, two suspects have been detained at Sapermaina PS for interrogation in connection with the incident.

The Press Information Bureau (Defence Wing) in a statement claimed that two PLA cadres involved in the blast have been arrested.

In a statement, PIB said that on receiving inputs about the blast, three Quick Reaction Teams were launched.

The two persons who have been arrested were trying to escape in an unregistered Maruti Gypsy, said PIB and identified them as T Suranjoy Singh (38) and T Somendro Singh of Imphal East.

The two have been handed to Imphal West police.

According to police source, a powerful car bomb exploded around 11 am today when a convoy of 13 Bn BSF was approaching Mahadev Mandir along the highway towards Dimapur.

Two personnel received 'minor' injury in the blast.

Different faces on even of Rahul's visit : Mangled remains of the car (top left), cops frisking passersby and the welcome signs put up

The high intensity IED-like explosive was fitted in a Maruti Van, the police said.

Upper portion of one of the BSF vehicles was partially damaged.

The injured personnel have been identified as Ct T Anand Raj of Tamil Nadu and Ct Cook Abdul Rajaq of West Bengal.

They were rushed to BSF Sector Headquarters Hospital, Koirengei.

Additional troops of BSF, Army, Assam Rifles and Senapati district police including Brig SK Sharma of 59 Mtn Brigade rushed to the spot.

Two suspects have been rounded up and detained at Sapermaina PS for interrogation in connection with the incident, the police said.

No group/organisation has owned up the blast so far.

Condemning the incident KSO Sadar Hills has urged all concerned not to repeat such acts to disturb the peaceful environment.

The KSO also lauded the efforts of the Army, AR and State forces in neutralising the situation.

At the same time, the underground Kuki Revolutionary Army (KRA), a SoO signatory group under the banner of KNO has registered strong condemnation against the blast at Koubru Leikha today.

"The (blast) incident was a challenge to human rights," Information and Publicity Secretary of KRA P Simte quoted the outfit's Chairman David Hangshing as saying.

Meanwhile security has been beefed up ahead of the high profile visit of Rahul Gandhi.

Tight security has been put in place at Imphal, greater Imphal and the adjoining areas.

Tight security arrangements have also been made at Tulihal airport.

Led by the IG (Intelligence) and DIG (Range I), officials of the State police surveyed the airport, especially the VIP gate area.

A posse of security personnel has been deployed there from today afternoon.

Necessary vehicles to receive Rahul Gandhi and his team have also been stationed at the airport, along with ambulance and traffic police personnel.

As part of the preparations to receive the dignitary, a motorcade rehearsal was conducted along the Airport road today at 6 pm.

An advance team of the Special Protection Group detailed for Rahul has also arrived today.

A reliable source said that since the airport road has been the target of bomb blasts in recent days, the stretch was thoroughly sanitised today.

Additional security personnel have also been brought in from other districts to Imphal.

Rahul Gandhi is expected to land here tomorrow at 11.10 am and accompanying him will be Congress Working Committee member and North East in charge, Luzinho Faleiro.

From the airport, Rahul Gandhi will proceed straight to Hapta Kangjeibung where he will inaugurate the first convention on Local Self Governing Bodies and Flagship Programmes of the UPA Government.

He is also scheduled to address the gathering there.

MPCC (I) president and Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam will deliver the welcome address while Chief Minister O Ibobi will dwell at length on the works taken up under the flagship programmes in the State.

The main purpose of Rahul Gandhi's visit is to strengthen the institutions of local self governing bodies as well as to educate the public on the 16 flagship programmes taken up by the UPA Government.

The AICC general secretary is also expected to meet representatives of the State Youth Congress and State unit of the NSUI.