Imphal, May 03: The SPF Government's decision to arm public of Heirok and Chajing to defend themselves from militants have evoked widespread appreciation.

people of Heirok and Chajing had been demanding that State Government provide them guns after activists of different armed groups killed four persons some times back.

Conceding to the people's demand State authorities lobbied with the Central Government representatives and the latter reportedly approved the proposal for one year on trial basis which will include establishment of 500 posts of Special Police Officers (SPOs) out of which Heirok will have 300 SPOs.

The arm provision would be closely monitored by the Union Home Ministry and if the outcome is positive the period is likely to be extended in phased manner.

Close on the heels of the Cabinet decision to provide arms to the public of Heirok and Chajing, the Director General of Police Y Joykumar made a personal assessment of possible sites for opening up of five posts of the SPO in Heirok area today.

The possible sites for the SPO posts include U-laimang, Laimayum Welcome Gate and Salam Leirak within Heirok Part-II, Nga-routhel in Heirok Pt-III and Heituppokpi of Heirok Pt-I.As per initial estimate number of SPO personnel to be stationed in the designated sites will be 100 at U-laimang, 50 each at Laimayum Welcome Gate, Salam Leirak, Ngarouthel and Heituppokpi.

people of Heirok had been vociferously demanding that Government provide them guns to neutralise undue advantage of undesired elements particularly after three persons, including two girls got killed in firing by PREPAK activists at a Thabal Chongba venue during the Yaoshang festival.

A young girl had lost her eyesight in the incident.

In a swift move towards implementing the Cabinet decision recruitment process would be held from May 5 till 12 while from May 12 basic military training would be conducted for a month.

While conveying the people's appreciation on the SPF Govt's gesture for providing arms, JAC representatives clarified that people of Heirok had been demanding the weapons for self protection and not for confronting UGs.

Observing that recent declaration by certain UG groups to refrain from seeking percentage cuts from essential items provided under the Public Distribution System is in response to the JAC's proposal, the functionaries also expressed sincere gratitude for heeding calls of the suffering masses.

Reminding that people of heirok had always played its part whenever serious issues besieged Manipur and its people, the JAC members took grim note that when Heirok public suffered hardly any organisation voiced/extended support physically or morally.

Recounting that during the recent unstable situation that rocked Heirok the JAC had urged civil society organisations to contribute their mite but to no avail, they affirmed that time has lapsed for such gesture as people of heirok had already decided to protect themselves at any cost.

Calling upon all concern to exercise utmost restrain as the State and its people had faced enough bloodshed, the JAC members further asserted that if any organisation or the State Government forces attempt to subjugate people of heirok there is no guarantee people of Heirok would turn their ire against the Government as well.

Declaring that the entire Heirok area would be rechristened as 'peace land' to exhibit the people's desire for a peaceful and secured living, the JAC members insisted that in case of any threat to peace and tranquillity in the area the public address system to be provided by the Government would be activated to shut all entry points and stay alert to defy advances of disruptive elements.

welcoming the SPF Cabinet's decision on this account, secretary of the Joint Action Committee (JAC) formed in the aftermath of gunning down of one Haorungbam Rabi (58) of chajing by KCP (MTF) on April 23 L Maipak told some mediapersons that the Government's move is the correct step as the people have to take guard for their own safety and well-being from disruptive elements.

Insisting that the public protecting themselves from such unwanted elements is inevitable taking into account atrocities committed by some arrogant UG cadres, Maipak hailed the Cabinet decision and applauded the Chief Minister O Ibobi's initiative to form 200 special Police Officers (SPOs) and issue licensed weapons.

While the secretary observed that the move is very significant when one takes into account uncertainty in the law and order situation and rampant killing of people by activists of banned outfits, another Chajing resident K Inaotombi confided that despite being a female she too would like to get basic training on use of the arm for self-defence. H Mukhai, who is the younger brother of the victim (Rabi) opined that the development is due to arrogance of some UG cadres who started to turn their weapons against the public inspite of the fact that revolutionary movement was actually meant to take the people into confidence and ensure protection from all forms of atrocities.