IMPHAL: Heavy security arrangements have been taken up in an unprecedented step in Imphal in view of the proposed visit of Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi to Imphal on December 3.
Security forces, including women CRPF personnel have been deployed at different strategic points in the city and normal traffic regulations have also been kept changed as part of the preparations for the two leaders’ visit to the State.
A large number of security personnel are also being deployed at various rooftops of buildings located on the routes from Imphal Tulihal Airport to the places where the two leaders would visit, sources said.
Frisking and checking of road passers are also carried out on routine basis since for the last three days as a pre-emptive measure in connection with the visit leaving no stone unturned.
Dr. Singh and Sonia will arrive in the city at 9:30 on Saturday and leave Imphal for Delhi around 4 pm on the same day.
Meanwhile, prior to the high profile visit of the Central leaders, this evening Chief Minister O. Ibobi conducted a visit to City Convention Centre and Manipur Film Development Corporation (MFDC) at Palace Compound, Inter-State Bus Terminus at Khuman Lamphak, Capitol Project at Chingmeirong and High Court Complex at Sangakpham to take stock of the preparations being made at the newly constructed buildings which are to be formally inaugurated by Dr. Manmohan Singh and Sonia durng the trip.
Kangleipak communist Party (KCP) MC group, All Manipur Clubs’ Organization (AMUCO) and United Council Manipur (UCM) have boycotted the visit, apart from a 36-hour general strike called by the Co-ordination Committee of KYKL, PREPAK, UNLF, KCP, RPF and UPPK (Pro) to boycott the visit of Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi to Imphal.
On Wednesday, a powerful blast killed one and person and five others were wounded in Imphal. The incident occured at Hatta Kangjeibung area of the capital city. (NNN)