CM hints at return of AFSPA in state
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, August 02 2024: Chief minister N Biren has hinted at re-imposition of AFSPA in the state stating that there is high possibility of reviewing the law-and-order situation due to anti-people activities by armed and non-armed organisations in both hills and valley.

CM Biren made the statement on the 3rd day of the assembly session on Friday, while responding to a calling attention motion raised by opposition member K Meghachandra regarding the steering-off strike of petroleum product transporters.

The MLA specifically sought response from the CM, who holds the charge of home department.

Biren said that the extortion activities along the two national highways have been a perennial problem as unauthorised taxes are being collected from the transporters.

Categorically stating that armed and non-armed organisations have no right to impose taxes on the transporters, who are serving the people against all odds, the chief minister observed that in-spite of majority of the population seem to be religious, their acts are not virtuous at all.

The government can do everything but chooses the path of peace to resolve outstanding issues through talks and mutual agreements, he asserted while acknowledging that fuel retail outlets are mulling to suspend operation as illegal taxes are being collected at per litre rate.

Reminding all concerned that AFSPA was in force in the state as such anti-social activities used to be rampant while people raised demands to repeal the Act and Irom Chanu Sharmila fasted for 14 years, he cautioned that recent spike in unruly acts in the state might compel revision of law and order situation.

People can no longer live if such activities continue and the government should not be blamed in case the prevailing situation results in empowerment of the law enforcing agencies, maintained the CM while urging all concerned not to undermine law of the land but strive to live in harmony.

The government might explore alternate ways to tackle the situation if such illegal activities continue further since it is the duty of the government to ensure security of the people, he affirmed.

The chief minister also recalled that in 2017-18, he met the then union home minister Rajnath Singh seeking establishment of National Highway Protection Force.

After discussing the matter with the Prime Minister, Rajnath asked him to drop the name 'Highway Protection Force' as other states would also possibly raise similar demands, and approved increasing the strength of IRB by two battalions for the purpose.

Consequently, recruitment for 10th and 11th IRB battalions were conducted and they are undergoing training in Assam.

With necessary arrangements nearing completion, it will not be long before they are deployed for highway protection duty, he said.

Biren further informed the House that after meeting with the chief secretary, he also talked to the DGP and ADG (LO), who assured of providing maximum security, and urged the transporters to reconsider their decision.

Acknowledging the hardships faced by the drivers, the CM said that highway project was delayed due to issues related with land compensation.

Efforts are on to resolve the issues by meeting the land owners.

At the same time, in addition to providing security convoy for the transporters, joint teams of state and central security forces have been deployed at vulnerable locations and a DIG has been deployed on special assignment to ensure safety of the transporters along the NH 37.He assured the House that the joint security teams will be deployed at vulnerable locations until the training of the IRB recruits is completed, while urging transporters to continue their services.

While moving the motion, MLA Meghachandra said armed groups are collecting illegal taxes from the transporters at the rate of Rs 6200 per truck in at least five locations along the NH 37.He highlighted the grievances of the drivers, truck owners, business owners and impact on consumers due to such illegal extortion, forcing the transporters to cease their service.

He also drew attention of the House to the urgent need for deploying security teams each led by an officer of the rank not less than DSP at the vulnerable locations.

Mention may be made that AFSPA was in force in the entire Manipur (except Imphal municipality area) since 2004.Fifteen police station areas of six districts were excluded from the disturbed area notification with effect from April 1, 2022 .

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