Manipur Police celebrate raising day anniversary
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 19 2011: A grand parade commemorating the 119th raising day of Manipur Police was celebrated today at 1st Bn Manipur Rifles parade ground.

Governor Gurbachan Jagat attended the commemorative function as chief guest and received salutes given by march past contingents.

Chief Minister Okram Ibobi, Ministers, MLAs and high-ranking civil and police officers were also present at the raising day function.

Inspection of parade and distribution of DGP's commendations by the chief guest were the main features of the raising day function.

Altogether 18 march past contingents formed by different units of Manipur Police took part in the parade and they were led by Imphal East Additional SP Kamei Angam Romanus as the parade commander.

Later the Governor awarded DGP's commendation to 49 officers and personnel of Manipur Police.

Speaking at the occasion, Governor Gurbachan Jagat stated that Manipur Police was raised in 1892 as State Military Police.

Since then, Manipur Police have been serving the people of Manipur with devotion, courage, conviction and professionalism.

A women police contingent at the saluting base during the Manipur Police raising day celebration

In spite of enormous challenges on many fronts of internal security, particularly the insurgency problem which is six decades old, Manipur Police have been able to cope with it despite constraints.

Though Manipur Police have been working in an extremely delicate security environment, they have been able to control the law and order situation and maintain public order.

By conducting intensive counter-insurgency operations, Manipur Police have succeeded in checking UG activities to a great extent in the valley area.

In the hill districts too, area domination by security forces and Manipur police has compelled UG elements, specially the valley outfits to seek refuge in neighbouring countries like Myanmar, Bangladesh etc, apart from taking shelter in other States of the country, the Governor remarked.

Though the overall security scenario is improving, it is still a matter of concern as the general population continue to face threat from various UG groups operating in the State.

The Governor also appealed to all organisations not to use the National Highways, the life lines of the people of Manipur as weapons while urging their demands.

Nevertheless, he observed that adequate steps have been taken up to ensure free movement of vehicles and regular supply of essential commodities to the State by providing security along NH 37 (erstwhile NH 53) in view of the ongoing economic blockade.

Gurbachan also lamented that the shorter and more desired NH 2 (Imphal-Dimapur highway) is yet to be operational.

With the help of the Government of India, Manipur Police have embarked upon a massive expansion and modernisation programme.

Over 10,000 officers and other ranks have been recruited during the last one or two year(s) to meet the shortfall in manpower.

The strength of Manipur Police force has also increased from 15,414 in January 2008 to 24,618 by January, 2011 .

With funds released from Special Plan Assistance and Modernisation of State Police Forces, Manipur Police have achieved significant improvement in its infrastructure.

For extra vigilance, 28 CCTV cameras have been installed in Raj Bhavan and another 27 CCTV cameras in the Chief Minister's official residence.

Manipur Police have also been working to install around 100 CCTV cameras on bazar area of Imphal city, Gurbachan stated.

He further informed that eight mechanised country boats have been procured out of which six would be deployed in Loktak lake and the other two in Barak river.

Taking serious note of the reports about some police personnel taking the law into their own hands or having links with undesirable elements, the Governor asserted that such elements should be weeded out rigorously so that reputation of the Manipur Police is held high.

DGP Y Joykumar stated that Manipur Police was raised by British rulers as Military Police.

Stating that Manipur Police have underwent many changes and developments, the DGP called upon all officers and personnel to strive for further improvement of the police force.