Khabam Lamkhai in fear grip after bomb attack on AR

Imphal, March 23: A fear psychosis has gripped the residents of Khabam Lamkhai, Matai and Luwangsabam areas following intensified follow up activities taken up by the 12 Assam Rifles in the wake of the bomb blast which claimed the life of one AR personnel. Witnesses told reporters the AR personnels ransacked shops in the vicinity of Khabam Lamkhai bazar and ordered owners to down their shutters. Only some womenfolk were sighted in the area. The youths who were the main target of the securitymen?s wrath have reportedly shifted to safer places. DIG Khaute, IG Baral and SPs of Imphal east and west have rushed to the spot. AR personnel conducted raids in the area and rounded up some 14-15 youths. Another dozen of youths were assaulted and some had to be hospitalized. One student who was to give his class XII practical exam was thrashed by the personnel and had to be admitted at the CMC hospital for treatment. He was identified as L Chittaranjan, son of L Tombimacha of Matai village. Although Chittaranjan was freed on the insistence of senior police officials he could not attend his examination. Even the residence of local MLA N Biren was not spared. AR personnel entered his residence from the back door and thrashed two youths, L Suraj, 22 s/o Ranjit and L Bhabani s/o Hemochandra who were watching television in the MLA's drawing room. At that time the MLA was in another room with Singjamei MLA, I Hemochandra Singh. Biren said the presonnel manhandled another youth in front of him and hurled abusive language at the victim's sister who was in the scene. An agitated Biren asked if the security personnel cannot respect him what will have been the fate of the ordinary public and asserted he will seek the help of higher authorities if possible.