Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, February 03:
A high level security meeting of Strategic and Operations group (SOG) held with Chief Secretary Jarnail Singh as the chairperson today decided to deploy army personnel for the construction/repairing works along national Highways 150 and 53.According to sources, the decision to assign the Army to provide security cover to the BRO for the highway works is to pre-empt any complaint of the Border Road organisation authorities on alleged lack of security provision to commence the repairing/construction activities at the two subsidiary national highways.
The meeting held today at the office chamber of the Chief Secretary, who is also the chairperson of the high level security group, was attended by top officials of police, CRPF, BSF, Assam Rifles, Army and intelligence agencies.
Army personnel currently deployed at some sections of NH-150 in between Jessami and Tipaimukh will provide security to the BRO personnel phase wise at specific areas along the same highway where BRO personnel are to advance according to work progress.
Regarding NH-53 from Imphal till Jiribam, road construction/repairing works would be taken up on priority basis where presence of Army personnel are substantial with similar security arrangement also proposed at the meeting according to requirement of the BRO, the source detailed.
The SOG meeting also decided to ask the State Government convene a separate session with BRO officials for speedy implementation of meeting procedures endorsed at the congregation of security officials.
The meeting also stressed on constant coordination among all security forces deployed in the State besides detailed discussion on prolonging the ongoing counter insurgency operations at Churachandpur district.
Mention may be made that the State Government had earlier decided to deploy BSF personnel as security coverage to BRO men for maintenance of the 20 kilometre Churachandpur-Tipaimukh route.
Personnel of a BSF battalion are currently engaged in counter-insurgency operation at interior areas of Churachandpur district.