State Police raising day blocks highway
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 19 2013 : In a clear case of contradicting oneself, the 121st raising day of Mani-pur Police was celebrated today after closing NH-2 (Imphal-Moreh highway) from Moi- rangkhom to Post Office tur-ning even though Deputy Chief Minister and the Home Minister Gaikhangam publicly appreciated a banned revolutio-nary group for celebrating their raising day without disturbing public tranquillity last month while addressing a passing out parade of women police per-sonnel at Manipur Police Training College, Pangei.

Although the police raising day was celebrated at 1st Bn Manipur Rifles parade ground, the highway was closed to traffic on both sides at Krishna Premi oil pump, Moirangkhom and Head Post Office turning thereby causing immense difficulties to the general public.

Because of the closure of the highway, there was traffic jam on the road leading to Keishamthong from NH-2.The highway was opened only after the police raising day function was over at around 11 am.

A women police march past contingent during the Police Raising Day celebration parade

Incidentally, the function started at around 9 am but the highway was closed since early morning.

The function was graced by Chief Minister O Ibobi as chief guest, Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam as president and DGP MK Das as chief host.

Speaking at the occasion, O Ibobi claimed that bomb blasts and other unwanted incidents witnessed in different parts of Imphal is not a result of weakness on the part of police.

Such incidents happened because police did not want to cause harassment or trouble to public in the name of security measures.

He appealed to the people to cooperate with police in order to avoid all untoward incidents.

The Chief Minister went on to laud Manipur Police as one of the best police organisations in the country.

Responsibility of Manipur Police is not about protecting lives and properties of people.

They should also accept the onus of saving the younger generations from menace of drugs.

It is not the time for people to simply watch when many innocent people are being killed by triggering bomb blasts.

Recalling that AFSPA was repealed from seven Assembly segments in line with the people's wish even though the same step was opposed by New Delhi, the Chief Minister stated that people need to raise their voice when bomb blasts are triggered within the seven Assembly segments.

Noting that some people have been earning huge amounts of money unlawfully by smuggling guns and drugs, Ibobi assured that befitting actions would be initiated against such smugglers.

Admitting that the Government has been facing shortage of security forces in hill districts, Ibobi informed the gathering that he has sought attention of the Centre to make administrative manpower shortage in hill districts.

Gaikhangam stated that Manipur Police have been playing pivotal roles in bringing many UG cadres to the mainstream or the negotiating table.

To tackle cyber crimes, Manipur Police teams have been sent outside for necessary training.

Pledging that the Government would put in maximum efforts to redress the inconveniences and difficulties faced by police personnel as far as possible, the Deputy Chief Minister exhorted all police personnel to work with dedication in the interest of people.

Many other Ministers, MLAs, high ranking civil and police officials were also present at the raising day celebration.