US government condemns Imphal blast, no bar on travellers

Imphal, Aug 24 (UNI) The US government today strongly condemned the grenade attack at the ISKCON temple on August 16, which killed five devotees and wounded many here.

Two Americans were also hurt when they were offering prayers to Lord Krishna.

US Consulate General, Kolkata, Henry V Jardine, told reporters here today that he discussed the matter with Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh and police chief AK Parashar.

The Chief Minister informed him that the state law enforcing agencies were seriously concerned at the matter and had some leads, however, nothing could be revealed now as it could jeopardise the investigations, he said. It was still not known who were involved, he added.

The US government was against all sort of violence and was concerned with protection of human rights. He said both the US and India were democratic countries and US citizens will not be stopped from visiting the north eastern states, however the US citizens were briefed about the law and order situation in the region he added.

Meanwhile, the Manipur government has announced an award of Rs one lakh to any person whose tips would lead to arrest of the criminals on the Janmashtami day blast.

The insurgency problems in the region were domestic problems which should be addressed by the Indian government, he said.

He also said the two Americans, who were hurt in the blast, left here on August 22 and both of them were extremely happy with the treatment they received at the hospital.

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