Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 13:
Even as informed sources confided the arrival of two companies of the Rapid Action Force (RAF) today, State's Additional Director General of Police Y Joykumar has ruled out major structural changes in deployment of security forces at Imphal areas.
The RAF companies were been flown in to Manipur to contain the ongoing agitation and assist State machinery in maintaining law and order, sources said adding the personnel numbering 600 were flown in by a special Indian Air Force plane.
Interacting with reporters at his office chamber today, the ADGP informing arrival of additional Central security force consisting of the BSF, CRPF and RAF also asserted that structural deployment of police force might change if the situation alters within Imphal municipal area where Disturbed Area Status was lifted yesterday by the State Cabinet.
At the present juncture there is no immediate need for major change in deployment of State police as they have been able tackle the law and order situation in the core area of the capital districts, stressed the police officer.
No matter how the prevailing situation alters, State forces would take prime responsibility in counter insurgency matter in the State capital areas, he affirmed adding police would carry out such task independently.
To contain any disruptive activities additional CRPF and BSF personnel comprising of five and three companies respectively has been sent by the Union Home Affairs Ministry today, he further detailed.
Maintaining current deployment of CRPF and BSF personnel at Imphal areas would continue, Joykumar said MHA had already provided 12 BSF, eight CRPF and one company of the riot control force RAF since the public agitation erupted in the wake of Manorama's death and demand for withdrawal of AFSPA.
To a specific question, the police officer said there is no official intimation to replace Assam Rifles with the BSF and that 15 AR battalions are being deployed in Manipur to contain insurgency which he termed as 'still bad' and advocated long term perspective planning to solve the issue.
Detailing strength of State forces as nine battalion of Manipur Rifles and India Reserve Battalion excluding 2000 police personnel, he also mooted that political solution would be best suited to settle insurgency problem with active support of the people citing past instances of some accords backed by the people.