Manipur assembly polls 2017: PM Narendra Modi to address election rally in Imphal today amid tight security

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address an election rally in poll-bound Manipur on Saturday amid tight security. Strict security measures have been put into place by the state government after bombs were recovered on Friday from Imphal West district, where Modi is expected to speak.

The recovery comes even as an apex body of six rebel groups in Manipur has given a call for a "complete shutdown" in the state tomorrow to protest against Modi's visit, saying it was aimed at "hoodwinking the people of Manipur".

A Chinese-made hand grenade was found near the gate of BJP candidate Soibam Subhas Chandra's residence at NingombamLeikai, 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.

The shutdown called by the Coordination Committee (Corcom) will begin at 6 AM and continue till the Prime Minister leaves the state, a Corcom press release said.

"Narendra Modi's visit to Imphal on February 25 is another trip aimed at hoodwinking the people of Manipur," the release said.
Manipur will go for poll in two phases on March 4 and 8 with 266 candidates in the fray.

(With inputs from agencies)