Manipur polls: Security tightened in Imphal for Modi's visit today after bombs seized from rally venue

Coordinating Committee (Corcom), a top body of six insurgent groups in Manipur, has called for a complete bandh in the state on Saturday to protest against Modi's visit and called for a curfew until he finishes his speech.

A Chinese-made hand grenade was found near the gate of BJP candidate Soibam Subhachandra's residence at Ningombam Leikai, 9 km away from the Achouba ground, while another bomb was found in front of another BJP worker O Sunil's residence in Thoubal district, 40 km away from the rally venue. 

INSURGENT GROUPS AGAINST MODI'S VISIT

This recovery comes even as Coordinating Committee (Corcom), a top body of six insurgent groups in Manipur, has called for a complete bandh in the state on Saturday to protest against Modi's visit, saying it was aimed at "hoodwinking the people of Manipur".

Corcom has called for a curfew from 6 in the morning, to remain in effect until PM Modi finishes his speech and leaves the Manipuri capital.

A statement issued by Corcom said, "Essential services like medical, media, water supply, electricity and fire services will be outside the purview of the shutdown."The venue of the rally was shifted from Kangla Fort to Langjing Achouba after Irom Sharmila's People Resurgence and Justice Alliance (PRJA) raised objection, saying that the fort was a sacred place for the people of the state.

MANIPUR CM's CLAIMS ABOUT BJP FALSE: RAM MADHAV 

Meanwhile, BJP national general secretary Ram Madhav and Assam Finance Minister Hemanta Biswas have already reached Imphal for the rally. The duo, along with Manipur BJP chief Ksh. Bhabananda, inspected the venue of Modi's rally.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi will definitely say something which is very important for the state of Manipur," Ram Madhav said. The false claims made by the Manipur Chief Minister O. Ibobi about BJP and the fear and suspicion among the Manipuri populace about the framework agreement signed between the NSCN-IM and Govt of India, will all be resolved when the prime minister speaks on Saturday, Madhav asserted.

280 CENTRAL FORCES COMPANIES IN MANIPUR 

Meanwhile, the Centre will deploy an additional 30 companies of Central paramilitary forces in Manipur for the smooth conduct of the state assembly election.

According to Manipur Chief Secretary O Nabakishore, a total of 280 companies of Central paramilitary forces will be deployed for election duty in the state, which has experienced more than a three-month-long economic blockade imposed by the United Naga Council along the highways of the landlocked state.

Nabakishore said the "state is ready for elections."