Imphal, December 19: A high level security meeting, State Apex Security Co-ordination meeting convened by the Chief Minister was held today against the backdrop of the ultimatum issued by the NSCN (IM) leader Th Muivah that there would be no extension of the cease fire if a solution is not worked out within January 31 next year.

Attended by top ranking Army and civil officers, including 3 Corp Commander ZU Shah, Chief Secretary Jarnail Singh, DGP AK Parashar, IG of CRPF Srinivasan, IG of Assam Rifles Major General BS Gothra and others, the meeting discussed on the possible fall out in the event of the NSCN (IM) pulling out from the peace talks.

Speaking to The Sangai Express, a reliable source said that the meeting reviewed the law and order situation in the State and the steps to be taken up if the peace talk between the IM group and the Government of India falls through.

The meeting also took serious note of the threat to security in the North East region if the NSCN (IM) resumes the bush war against the Indian Government.

The Army on its part conveyed the message at the meeting that it is ready with contingency plans if the peace talk breaks down, said the source and added that ideas were shared on working out a security strategy for Manipur as well as to share information between the different law enforcing agencies.

Security co-ordination was also stressed during the meeting.

Attention was also drawn to the need to complete the repairing and construction of roads and bridges before the onset of Monsoon to enable the security force to conduct CI-ops effectively, said the source adding that this suggestion was given by the Army authority.

Chief Minister O Ibobi made it clear during the meeting that the Union Ministry of Home Affairs had not intimated anything to him with regard to the cease fire reached between the security force and 8 Kuki militant groups, said the source further.

Making his stand clear, the Chief Minister said that it was not in the fitness of things to sideline the State Government while drawing up the cease fire pact and demanded to know the details of the truce pact reached with the Kuki militants.

The Army authority explained that the cease fire was reached after an understanding was worked out with both the Union Home Ministry and Defence Ministry.

To the details sought by the Chief Minister the Army said that the case would be referred to the Defence Ministry.

The State Govt also proposed that a plan be worked out for security deployment if the IM group goes back to the jungle and take up arms again.