IMPHAL, October 2: State honour was conferred to the deceased police personnel, M Ibotombi of Lilong Arapti, who was killed in the MG Avenue bomb blast on October 1. A contingent of 1st Manipur Rifles paid gun salute to honour the personnel at 11:30 today.
State Chief Minister, O Ibobi and deputy CM, Gaikhngam along with top officials of police were present on the occasion.
Mention may be made that on October 1, at around 7:55pm a powerful Improvised Explosive Device went off amidst a crowd, when a large number of people had turned up to take part in the Durga Puja festival, organised at the MG Avenue area.
The blast injured more than 20 people, besides killing a police personnel. Five persons who were critically injured are still under medical treatment at RIMS and Shija hospital.
Ibobi later in the afternoon visited the injured patients at RIMS along with the deputy Chief Minister, who also holds the portfolio of Home minister.
The CM after the visit maintained that the incident is condemnable in all possible terms. He further appealing that such heinous act should not be allowed to be repeated in the future.
Ibobi said that the religious festivals must be shared by every community of the State and should be respected across all affiliations and beliefs. He said without tolerance, the society will not progress.
He further mentioned that the State government is yet to ascertain the identities of those who have committed the crime. Befitting action will be taken to those found involved, he added.
The Chief Minister also announced to extend financial support of Rs 5 lack to the family of the deceased, Rs 50,000 each to those seriously injured; and Rs 20,000 to those with minor injuries.
Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam expressed that the State will tighten up its security arrangements taking into account of the prevailing law and order situation. He continued that a review meeting of the security force has been conducted chaired by the DGP of police.
He added that the CCTVs that are being installed in different parts of the Imphal will be made functional. Later AK Mirabai, minister of Social Welfare joined the CM and deputy CM to visit those injured at the Shija hospital, Langol.