Probe begins into SoO camp arms loot case
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, April 11 2023: Chief Minister N Biren has revealed that a special committee has started enquiry into the recent case of raiding and looting of arms and ammunition from a designated camp in Churachandpur district housing surrendered cadres of armed outfits which are bound by the suspension of operation (SoO) agreement signed with the government.

While disclosing about the investigation to media persons during an interaction after the 173rd death anniversary observance of Maharaja Narasingh held at Kangla, here, on Tuesday, the CM said that early findings point that only four sentries were posted at the time of the incident.

As per agreement, the designated camp was supposed to be guarded by the surrendered cadres.

The suspected KIA cadres took advantage of minimal presence of SoO cadres and raided the camp, Biren observed, adding that state police and Assam Rifles are carrying out operations to trace the armed cadres, who looted the camp.

The enquiry will find the reason for absence of cadres at the camp and whether or not some cadres from the camp collaborated with the looters, he said.

Further informing that the DGP on Monday had a meeting with Assam Rifles officials in connection with the incident, the CM confided that he will also convene another meeting soon.

Regarding the construction of Manipur Bhavan near Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata, the CM said that there was a trend of keeping infrastructure projects pending and the main reason is awarding contract to incapable contractors.

The works minister is staying in Kolkata to assess the progress of the construction, he said, while informing that the government is targeting to complete the project within the current financial year.

Biren also elaborated on how his government re-acquired plots for Manipur Bhavan in Gurgaon and Kolkata by paying huge amount.

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