CM smells rat behind bushfires
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, March 05 2023:
Taking serious note over the mob attack on police personnel who went to arrest suspects in a murder case recently, chief minister N Biren has categorically stated that the entire village will be held responsible for undue interference to the police while discharging their duties.
Biren made the statement during distribution of backpack air/leaf blower to Manipur Fire Service and forest department for use in fighting forest fire in a solemn function held at the CM's bungalow on Sunday.
Responding to a query from the media, Biren said that a mob comprising almost the entire villagers of Moijing attacked a police team, who went there to arrest a murder suspect.
Consequently, 11 individuals were arrested by police and remanded in police custody.
The entire village will be held responsible for the mob attack and the 11 individuals will be kept in custody until the villagers hand over the murder suspect, he affirmed and also declared that villagers will be made to pay compensation for the police properties they damaged in the mob attack.
Regarding the issue of forest fire, the CM said that there are suspicions of deliberate act of igniting forest fire bv people involved in poppy cultivation.
As such the government will deploy well-trained armed guards round the clock to prevent forest fire.
The portable air blowers being distributed would help in fighting forest fire where entry of fire trucks would be impossible, he said.
The CM also urged the people, CSOs and local clubs in foothills and hill areas to inform local police or forest officials if they have knowledge of the identity of those responsible for manmade forest fires.
Appropriate legal actions will be taken up against such people, Biren said while advising concerned stakeholders to remain on high alert at picnic spots near forest areas as their careless acts of the revellers could also lead to forest fire.
Nine air blowers were provided to forest department and 10 to Manipur Fire Service.
Principal chief conservator of forests Dr AK Joshi and Manipur Fire Service director Themthing Ngashangva also attended the function.