Source: The Imphal Free Press
Imphal, November 05:
The director general of police, Manipur, A Siddique, reiterating that adequate security measures were in place on June 18, stated today that if security measures had not been taken, there might have been more casualties that day.
The DGP was testifying further before the C Upendra commission of inquiry regarding the incidents of the June 18 public uprising.
The DGP revealed that advance information of the possibility of an agreement between the NSCN(IM) and the government of India for extension of ceasefire to Manipur had been received on June 13 evening, and accordingly a high level security meeting was held at Raj Bhavan, presided over by the Governor which discussed the possible fallout and the security measures required to be taken up.
Another security meeting was also held on June 14 at his office, attended by senior police officers, including district SPs and COs of MR battalions.
He disclosed before the commission that the security arrangements had two measure aspects; one being security for VIPs and another being security for installations and establishments.
He said the static guards deployed for the VIPs and at installations were the responsibility of the additional DGP, while as far as district security arrangements were concerned, the respective SPs were responsible.
Regarding security at the Assembly complex, he said the security officer of the Assembly had the full responsibility and the police headquarters had only the power to provide additional security forces.
In the case of the Raj Bhavan, the ADC to the Governor and the secretary to the Governor made their own security arrangements and forces required by them are provided by the police headquarters.
He stated that ever since he joined as DGP Manipur on May 15, he did not receive any requisition from the Speaker, state Assembly for additional security forces to be deployed as static guard at the Assembly complex.
He testified that on June 18 morning, he toured various areas of greater Imphal to check the security arrangements.
At about 11 am he visited the Raj Bhavan in order to apprise the Governor of the developing situation.