In response to a bomb threat targeting the residence of former additional director of Health Dr Thokchom Joy, locals in Imphal West staged a sit-in protest on Monday.
The incident, believed to be orchestrated by a suspected underground (UG) group demanding monetary compensation, shook the community, prompting residents to voice their concerns.
Reportedly, two masked individuals, armed and claiming affiliation with a UG group, arrived at Dr Joy’s residence on Naorem Leikai Liwa Road around 1 pm on Sunday.
They left a hand grenade on the staircase of the veranda along with demands for money, instructing the family to bring both the requested funds and the bomb to a specified location, as narrated by the family members.
The family, gripped by fear, refrained from immediately reporting the incident to the authorities.
It wasn’t until police received information from undisclosed sources later in the night that action was taken and the bomb was successfully retrieved without causing any harm.
Addressing the media during the sit-in protest, Khwairakpam Abe, secretary of Naorem Leikai Apunba Meira Paibi, expressed concern over the incident, emphasising that while there were no injuries or casualties, it had instilled fear and insecurity among the locals.
Abe urged those responsible for the threat to desist from such actions and advocated for dialogue to address any misunderstandings or grievances. Furthermore, she called upon them to refrain from repeating such threats in the future, emphasising the importance of maintaining peace and security within the community.
