A Chinese hand grenade was found planted at the gate of the residence of Sharungbam Bimol at Yairipok Yambem Makha Leikai under Andro Police Station in Imphal East district early today. The grenade was subsequently recovered and defused by the Manipur Police Bomb Disposal Team.
The grenade was reportedly noticed by people who came across it in the morning. A letter bearing the letterhead of the Kangleipak Communist Party (Department of Finance), along with a handwritten note purportedly signed by a Deputy Finance Secretary of the outfit, was found near the grenade.
The note reportedly described the item as a “last warning” and threatened further action if its message was not conveyed to the group concerned. It allegedly warned that the group would act after assessing the place and time and that the consequences could be severe.
On being informed about the grenade, personnel of Andro Police Station and a Manipur Police Bomb Disposal Team reached the spot at around 8 am and inspected the explosive. The grenade was carefully removed at around 10:13 am and later detonated at Ngariyan Chingon within the jurisdiction of Andro Police Station.
Sharungbam Bimol is the proprietor of M/S H. Rameshwar Sharma Saw Mill (Victoria Veneer Mill), located at Yairipok Yambem Makha Leikai.
The incident drew strong condemnation from local Meira Paibis, who held a public meeting and expressed concern over the planting of a bomb at a residential gate. Participants displayed placards condemning attempts to create fear and panic among the public.
Mutum Prema, secretary of Yambem Apunba Meira Paibi, said the state was already passing through a difficult situation and the incident had caused further fear among residents. She said an explosion could have resulted in casualties and appealed to all concerned to resolve differences through dialogue and prevent further incidents that could create fear and insecurity among the people.
She also appealed against any further acts that could cause panic among the public and potentially harm innocent people.
