Bomb found on Manipur Highway

Imphal, Apr 27 (UNI) A powerful bomb was recovered today from National Highway number 39, Imphal Moreh road, near the Manipur University here.

Police said the bomb was detected before it could cause any problem and defused by bomb experts.

Earlier, a bomb blast had occurred inside the high security zone of Babupara on April 24.

A team from New Delhi, led by Union Cabinet Secretary M Chandrasekhar, had also arrived here to assess the security situation in the state and held a meeting with the state government officials yesterday.

Meanwhile, the state police sealed the entire market area at Imphal and only pedestrians were allowed to enter the market.

The entire Babupara area, having the residences of all the ministers and important officials, was also sealed.

Security personnel were posted at all strategic locations and combing operations were being conducted every day.

Official sources said the team, led by Mr Chandrasekhar, discussed the law and order situation and instructed the state government to work out a plan to deal with the insurgency problem, with over a dozen militant groups operating in the state.

Earlier, the Army had launched a massive operation against militants at Somtal, Chandel district and the central team assured to construct 1,500 houses in 21 villages in the area.

The team also discussed the feasibility of providing arms to the people to defend themselves from militants.

Besides, fencing of border areas, construction of Jiribam-Tupul railway line, augmenting storage capacity of petroleum products and other issues were also discussed in the meeting, the officials said.

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