Imphal, May 06: Obviously buoyed by the positive response from the people of Heirok and Lilong Chajing to the decision of the Government to provide them arms and protect themselves from outlawed organisations, the Cabinet which met today has decided to take up similar measures in villages where the State forces are not able to provide adequate cover.

The Cabinet which met at the office of the Chief Minister today discussed the law and order situation as well as the response of the people of Heirok and Chajing and decided to adopt a policy to provide arms to villages in far flung areas which cannot be covered adequately by the security forces.

To get an in-depth report about the state of villages in the far flung areas as well as to know the aspirations of the people, DGP Y Joykumar has been asked to submit a report in this regard soon, said an official statement issued by the Secretary to the Chief Minister today.

The Cabinet also decided to initiate talks with the affected people to resume work on the Mapithel Dam which has been put on hold following disagreement on the compensation to be paid among other things.

Prior to the Cabinet meeting, the Chief Minister also convened a meeting with police officers, including the DGP and the SPs of the four valley districts.

Detailed reports about the law and order situation were sought from the SPs.