Business community condemns Manipur bomb attacks

Imphal, May 4 (ANI): The business community in Manipur has strongly condemned last month's bomb attack at the residence of Dr Madhubala and Dr Jiban here.

A protest was held by local entrepreneurs to demand a safe business atmosphere in the state.

Dr. Madhubala runs a business house in Manipur. Cadres of People's Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK) had been demanding Rs. 5 lakh from her, failing which, they attacked her house with grenades.

The protestors complained that their business is increasingly being affected by rampant extortion bids by militant outfits.

"Whenever we do business we are threatened by some militant group and they demand money. We strongly condemn such activities," said Sinam Kumarjit Singh, a local businessman.

Insurgents extort money from businessman and attack those who do not pay, even killing some.

"Militants threaten us. We are selling products and request them to let us do business freely without any threats," said Oinam Inam Shitalchand, founder Platinum, Amway business.

Three PREPAK cadres identified as Heikrujam Kiran Meitei, Ningthoujam Sana Meitei and Haobijam Noren Meitei were arrested by the police who recovered three Chinese grenades, two mobile handsets, extortion letters and one driving license from them.

Speaking to reporters, AK Jhalajit Singh, Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP), Imphal East, said that the arrested militants have accepted their involvement in the recent attack.

"The arrested cadres have admitted to their involvement in the bomb attack at the residence of Dr. Madhubala Devi and we also recovered two hand grenades from them which are supposed to be used for unknown resident of Imphal area," the ASP said. (ANI)