Manipur: NSCN militants attack CM Ibobi in Ukhrul district

National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN) militants attacked the helipad where Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh's chopper was scheduled to land in the Ukhrul district of Manipur on Monday.

The CM was blocked by a huge crowd while heading to the inauguration site in Ukhrul and Chingai districts. Several police personnel have been hurt in the firing between militants and security forces. However, Singh has escaped unhurt.

At least two jawans of the India Reserve Battalion (IRBn) were wounded when two improvised explosive device (IED) exploded in the Hundung area located south of Ukhrul district in Manipur.

Militants belonging to the NSCN are suspected to be responsible for the blasts that took place on Sunday night.

Singh visited Ukhrul on Monday to launch five developmental projects, according to local media reports.

Security in Ukhrul town has been beefed up ahead of the CM's visit. Additional security forces have reached Ukhrul, while soldiers from 41 Assam Rifles have been asked to remain vigilant to prevent any untoward incident during Singh's visit. They have cordoned off Bakshi ground for the CM's chopper to land. 

The district hospital in Hundung is being sanitised for the inauguration programme. It is located just one kilometre from the main town of Ukhrul district headquarters, the Sangria Express reported.

Tangkhul Naga Long's call for a 24-hour public curfew to boycott Singh's visit is likely to come into effect from 4 pm on Monday. TNL has accused the CM of acting as an "adversary of the tribal and Naga people." It has also submitted a memorandum to Home Minister Rajnath Singh requesting him to stop the Manipur CM from visiting Ukhrul, the Nagaland Post reported.