Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, March 06:
Altogether 1296 militants were apprehended by security forces during last year out of which 163 were detained under National Security Act, stated Chief Minister O Ibobi during question hour in the State Assembly today.
Responding to a query raised by MLA L Nandakumar, Ibobi said that any apprehended insurgent may be detained under Section 3 (III) of the NSA after approval from District Magistrates.
However, there is no specific regulation that all the apprehended insurgents should be detained under NSA.
Only after a detailed investigation by police, an insurgent is detained under NSA according to criminal activities, stated the Chief Minister.
To another question put up by Nandakumar, Ibobi informed the House that 776 weapons of various types were seized from underground organisations between April 2002 and February 15, 2008. Of these weapons, 250 were seized by police while the 426 were recovered by paramilitary forces.
To a question raised by MLA Awangbow Newmai, the Chief Minister who is also in charge of the Finance Department stated that the State Government has been urging upon the SBI authority to reopen its Tamei branch.
The SBI Tamei branch has been closed since October 1, 1982 after a robbery case in the bank.
The Chief Minister also exuded confidence that the SBI Tamei branch may be reopened soon.
During 2002-03 to 2006-07, a total of 182 verification reports were received from the Forensic Science Laboratory located at Pangei.
Of these reports on verifying authenticity of signatures, 149 have been referred to authorities concerned, informed Ibobi in response to a question by MLA Dr I Ibohalbi.
The State Government is also working to avail pension to employees in time, added the Chief Minister.