IED found planted inside an ATM booth in Mokokchung

Our Correspondent Mokokchung, January 2 An Improvised Explosive Device (IED) was found planted inside an SBI ATM booth at Alongmen Ward, Mokokchung on Friday. It was later diffused by the bomb squad of 31 Assam Rifles. The IED was first spotted by one CRPF personnel who entered the booth to withdraw money at around 11:30 am. The matter was informed to the authority by him immediately. Later, the IED was safely retrieved by the bomb squad and diffused. Mokokchung Additional superintendent of police (SP) confirmed that it was an IED. A case has been registered in this connection and the investigation is underway. Meanwhile, Mokokchung Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) said it is disturbed at the news of an Improvised Explosive Device being placed at an ATM booth in Mokokchung town by miscreants. Even though the crude bomb was not fatal, it instilled fear in the minds of the people of the town which is very unfortunate. The preparedness and timely intervention of the personnel of 31 Assam Rifles bomb squad and police is highly appreciated, the MCCI said. This is a wake-up call to the various banks in Mokokchung that the security of their respective ATM booths is their responsibility. It is sad to note that almost all the ATM booths in the town remain open without adequate security or any caretaker, for which the banks are requested to look into it with urgency, it added. The Ao Senden too condemned the act of ‘senseless humans’ at Alongmen Ward, Mokokchung by setting a bomb at an ATM booth on January 2. The threat and fear psychosis that the incident has caused, have been so immense and it will be hard to overcome, it said. The Ao Senden then acknowledges the timely action of the district administration, police and the 31 Assam Rifles in disposing the bomb. Also condemning the incident, the Ao Student Conference (AKM) said it is provoked on hearing that the people of Mokokchung has gone through a hard time on the news of a bomb that was hidden near an ATM booth at Mokokchung. AKM said the act of terror is strongly condemned and asked the law enforcing agencies to dig the root of the matter and bring the culprits under the book of law and give justice to the people of Mokokchung. AKM also acknowledges the timely action done by the district administration, police and the 31 Assam Rifles in disposing the bomb.