Congress president condemns attack on CM's residence

Imphal, Sep 3 (UNI) President of the Manipur unit of the Congress Gaikhangam today condemned the attack on Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh's official residence on Monday night.

''The Chief Minister is the leader of the people and an attack on him is tantamount to an attack on the people. It is unfortunate that attacks on VIPs and government officials are increasing,'' the Congress president said.

Tight security arrangements are in place in and around the official residence of the Chief Minister after militants launched a bomb attack on Monday night.

New traffic regulations had been imposed in Imphal. The parking area for those who come to meet the Chief Minister may also be changed, official sources said.

The office of the state Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) which is adjacent to the Chief Minister's office may also be shifted.

Officials said the residence of the Chief Minister is an easy target for militants as it is beside National Highway 39.

As it is difficult to check movement of vehicles on NH 39, it has been decided to stop entry of vehicles from 1800 hours to 0700 hours near the Chief Minister's residence.

SSP, Imphal West, L Kailun said the new traffic regulations from 1800 hours to 0700 hours had been imposed as a security measure.

Besides, some other route diversions have been imposed.

Police suspected that the bomb could have been lobbed from a moving vehicle.

The proscribed People's Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK) had claimed responsibility for the attack.

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