Imphal, April 16: With questions being raised on whether security lapses led to MEELAL activists torch the State Central Library building on April 13 order had been issued to conduct inquiry to ascertain whether the order was followed when MEELAL activists struck.

As per the circular issued by the Principal Secretary Home AE Ahmed on April 8, all heads of Govt Departments were instructed to maintain alert in their respective offices besides intensifying police patrol in sensitive areas in view of the violent agitation and attacks carried out unlawful elements.

On the same day, another order was also issued by ADGP Y Joykumar for necessary security arrangements to thwart violent activities of MEELAL and DESAM volunteers.

As per the order, security personnel were to be deployed at various places of Imphal West district with 1st MR personnel assigned to man the road stretch from Moirangkhom upto Singjamei, Keishampat, Khagempalli and Pishumthong and II MR personnel to be posted along Khongnang Ani Karak, Lilashing Khongnangkhong, Lamphel and Central School areas.

The order further envisaged deployment of 1st IRB personnel in between Keishampat and Imphal airport with II IRB personnel manning the road stretch from Sagolband to Takyelpat and between Naoremthong till Maharani Bridge.

It further instructed 7 MR personnel to be deployed at the road stretch between Popular High School, Khurai till Hatta Minuthong covering Telipati and Khurai Heikru Makhong and III IRB personnel at Kongba area, Standard College, Wangkhei area, Akampat and CEDT of Imphal East Dist.

The order also directed that areas falling under Imphal West and Imphal East Districts not covered by the above security arrangements to be covered by the concerned SP by providing mobile patrol team and deployment of forces at strategic locations.

Security cover had also been provided at the MSCP Office complex, MLA quarters and the Governor road prior to the incident.

Mention may be made that Chief Librarian of the State Central Library intimating the SP Imphal West on March 11 for security cover in view of presence of a large number of Bengali script textbooks at the library.

Responding to the request of the Chief Librarian, SP Imphal West instructed the OC City Police Station the following day directing him to cover the Library area by patrolling and also asked the police picket located at the MSCP Complex and IRB personnel posted at the Governor road to keep an eye on the Library complex as there was not enough manpower for deployment at the Library Complex.

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