Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 17:
Chief Minister O Ibobi, who is also the chairman of the Unified Command structure today said that the CI ops underway at Churachandpur is primarily to cut off the rebels route after they were shunted out from Sajik area by the security force.
Speaking to a group of newsmen at his office chamber today, the Chief Minister said that after the militants were driven out from their base camps at Sajik Tampak, they moved to Bishnupur and Thoubal districts and started actively working at Karang, Loktak area, Thanga and Laphupat Tera.
To check their growing activities, a combined security force was pressed into service into these areas and the rebels were pushed back towards Churachandpur district.
As information of their activities at Churachandpur area reached the Government, 2/3 battalions of the BSF were deployed at this district to crack down on the militants, said the Chief Minister.
It is to cut off the routes of the militants, that a decision to launch an operation at Churachandpur was taken, further said the Chief Minister.
On the present strength of Central security force in Manipur, the Chief Minister said that their strength has crossed the pre-Kargil strength about three months back.
If needed the State will approach the Centre to deploy more forces, he added.
The Chief Minister also took pains to explain that there is nothing new about the Unified Command structure and maintained that in effect it was there from the beginning.
Earlier the Chief Minister was the chairman of the State Level Apex Security Co-ordination Committee and for any CI ops to be launched, the Committee decides that the Chief Secretary should be the chairman of the security co-ordination committee.
Either the DGP or the GOC is made the head of the operational command of the operations, added the CM.
Ibobi further said that his Government is trying its best effort to secure the release of the 2 tanker drivers who have been abducted by the KRA and added that mediators have also been sent.
The Government is also trying its best to make fuel available to the public.
To a question on whether the Government has charted out any fresh initiative to invite the militant groups for a dialogue, the CM said that his Government has been appealing to all armed groups to come to the negotiating table.
However there has been no positive response so far.
Even the Centre is keen on starting a dialogue with the armed organizations, he informed.
On the recent allegation that over Rs 80 lakhs have been fraudulently withdrawn for 16 works in Ukhrul district, the Chief Minister said that the Vigilance Department is already probing the case and its report is expected within the next few days.
The Vigilance report will point out whether former Works Minister Gaikhangam was involved in the scam or not, he added.
Touching on other topics, the Chief Minister said that developmental works and road and bridge maintenance works will be taken up on a war footing once the law and order situation improves.
He also expressed optimism that the Congress led UPA Government will release the needed funds on time.
On being asked whether bonus for Ningol Chakkouba will be given to the employees or not this time, the Chief Minister said the Govt is yet to take a decision on the matter.