Thaisii speaks out, 4 IEDs recovered
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 13 2011: YAS and Education Minister DD Thaisii who miraculously survived an ambush laid by some unidentified persons yesterday has reached Imphal.

On the other hand, four IEDs were recovered from the ambush site today.

The IEDs were later retrieved by explosive experts of Manipur Police and set off safely at an isolated place.

DD Thaisii was given an emotional welcome by his family members, relatives and well-wishers at his Lamphel quarters this evening.

Speaking to media persons, Thaisii said that though he could not figure out the particular group which laid the ambush it was clear from the sophisticated weapons they used that one powerful UG group was behind it.

Saying that it was impossible for a political leader to fulfil every wish and aspiration of the public, Thaisii said that such life attempts on a politician for not fulfilling all the aspirations of the people is condemnable by one and all.

"In case such incidents go on unabated, even a civil war may break out among us", Thaisii said.

The bullet proof vehicle in which the Minister was travelling

He instead suggested peaceful dialogues instead of indulging in such extreme steps if there is any grievance.

Talking exclusively to The Sangai Express, DD Thaisii said that he left Imphal for his native village Purul on November 12 to inaugurate a community hall two multipurpose halls and distribute sports materials in addition to some education related activities.

Together with Education Director and other subordinate staff, Thaisii's cavalcade included 12 vehicles including 8 security vehicles.

As the cavalcade went 3 Kms beyond Maram on Purul road, some unidentified persons who were laying in ambush triggered a bomb and opened fire indiscriminately towards the Minister and his team at around 5.30 pm.

Thaisii bullet-proof vehicle was hit by a bullet.

Even as the security escorts jumped down and took position to retaliate, Thaisii ordered them not to open fire as it had become dark.

As such, the security escorts did not open a single shot, Thaisii said.

On hearing the gun shots, a convoy of Assam Rifles came to the scene very quickly.

Moments later, the assailants fled away from the scene.

Thaisii's team went ahead and reached Purul late night.

They put up the whole night there.

After performing all the activities this morning for which he went there, the team left Purul for Imphal at about 2 pm today.

On their way back to Imphal, the ministerial team was informed by Assam Rifles about the discovery of four IEDs at the ambush site.

This information delayed the Thaisii's team for sometime.

They proceeded to Imphal only after the IEDs were retrieved by explosive experts who came from Imphal.