Imphal, June 29: Government offices in Imphal resembled fortresses as they reopened today after a two-day, militant-enforced break.

A militant group allegedly locked the directorates of agriculture, tourism and industries on Tuesday as “punishment” to employees for not contributing a part of their salaries to its coffers. The police broke open the locks yesterday.

“We have deployed security guards in all government offices in and around Imphal to counter threats from militants. We also have stepped up vigil to prevent militants from sneaking into government offices in the city,” a senior police officer said.

Manipur Rifles personnel were deployed in most offices. Security in the three engineering departments — public works, public health engineering and irrigation and flood control — was the tightest.

Official sources said the three departments were the main targets of extortionist groups.

“We have learnt that militants frequently enter the office complex. We have now barred visitors from carrying mobile phones inside the office complex. We frisk everyone at the gate to the complex,” a police officer said.

Offices of the Life Insurance Corporation and medicine stores in parts of the state were closed for some days last month when militant groups threatened to target them for not paying money.