Govt mulls more police forces for Moreh
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, August 20 2015 :
Home Minister Gaikhangam on Thursday said the State Government is mulling deployment of additional two to three companies of State Force in the border town of Moreh in Chandel District.
A team of ministers had visited Moreh to take stock of the situation following the violent incident that took place on August 18, Gaikhangam told this to reporters at Raj Medicity, North AOC where he visited Willar Leimapokpam,a staff of Hueiyen Lanpao who was admitted there after being thrashed by cops on August 17 night.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines, Gaikhangam further stated that leaders of the two communities in Moreh had met and decided to prevent further violence.
Gaikhangam, who is also the Deputy Chief Minister, assured that the Government is considering taking up necessary steps to compensate the victims for their loss.
Violence erupted in Moreh market on August 18 after armed residents of the area attacked a group of people who were taking part in a peaceful rally to demand implementation of Inner Line Permit System (ILPS) in Manipur.
The Home Minister said the Government is closely watching the situation and also looking into the matter concerning the demand by Moreh residents for transfer of some police officers of the town for dereliction of duty.
He made it clear that the Assam Rifles and BSF failed to intervene during the violent standoff in the town since they were not concerned with the State's law and order.
However, the Government is considering deployment of two-three additional companies of State Force in Moreh to maintain law and order and to protect public properties, said the Home Minister.
Meanwhile, the Chandel District magistrate has announced to relax the curfew in Moreh from 5 am to 7 pm on Friday (August 21) .
The curfew was imposed by the district administration following widespread violence in the town.
Deputy Commissioner Chandel Robert Khetrimayum on Thursday visited Moreh market to personally inspect damaged properties.
He is expected to submit a report to the Government on Friday.
Meanwhile, Meitei Council Moreh (MCM) said the standoff in Moreh has ended and that peace has been restored in the town.