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Blast before PM's visit forces Manipur to tighten security

Security has been tightened in Manipur in view of a bomb explosion last night. Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee will visit the state today.

No one was injured in the explosion near the Subsidiary Special Bureau headquarters at Mongsangei.

In another development last night, the Rapid Action Police Force of Manipur foiled the attempt by an activist of the outlawed Peoples Liberation Army to plant a time-bomb on Vajpayee's route. The RAPF arrested the youth, identified as Geetchandra Singh (24), a resident of Teral, and seized a powerful improvised time-bomb.

The police cordoned off all important routes. They have been frisking passers-by in Imphal which seemed to be deserted today as most of the opposition parties, including the Congress, have called a 'Manipur bandh'.

The joint forum of three underground organisations - the Revolutionary Peoples Front, United Liberation Front and Peoples Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak -- had also given a boycott call of the prime minister's visit.

All vehicles, barring long-distance buses, were off the roads and business establishments remained closed.

Vajpayee would address a public meeting this evening at the Bhagyachandra open theatre.

UNI

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