Muivah only a stone's throw from border
Situation at Mao extremely tense; police reinforcement rushed; Centre's intervention needed
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, May 05 2010: Despite manipur Government's irreversible stand not to allow NSCN-IM supremo, Th Muivah to enter Manipur's territory at any cost, the Naga rebel leader seems to be bent on forcing his way into the state.

Th Muivah along with a group of supporters is said to have reached Viswema in Nagaland, just about 10 kms from Mao gate.

He is said to have halted at the village, where he was appointed as the General Secretary of NSCN-IM over three decades ago.

Muivah and his followers left Hebron camp in the afternoon and reached Viswema around 3.30 pm.

Muivah is reportedly travelling in a bullet proof Gypsy under the escort of Nagaland Armed Police personnel.

Goods-laden trucks of Manipur lie burnt at Khuzhama in Nagaland after some persons suspected to be NSCN-IM cadres set fire to them; other trucks being escorted toward Mao gate

About 10 vehicles of Nagaland Armed Police, IRB of that state and CRPF personnel are escorting him.

About 500 persons, mostly Manipuri Nagas, of different Civil Society Organisations are accompanying him.

It is learnt that some armed cadres of NSCN-IM are also travelling together with Muivah.

It is not yet known whether his entourage would try to enter Manipur border in the morning or afternoon.

On the other hand, a very large force of Manipur Police, state IRB and CRPF has been deployed at Mao gate, Mao bazar and nearby areas.

Reinforcement of another large police force led by DSP, Imphal West District Police Commando, Th Krishnatombi, carrying ammunitions and other riot control equipments, has reached Mao gate today morning.

Our senior staff reporter, Bijoy Laishram, camping at Mao gate presently, has reported that the state security force is ready and waiting to face any eventuality when Muivah and his followers try to forcibly enter the border gate.

The first and foremost mission of the state security force there is to prevent Muivah from stepping on Manipur's soil under any circumstances, and at any cost.

The police have made elaborate and meticulous security arrangements with setting up of bullet proof bunkers, etc.

police have also installed barricades at the gate.

Unarmed policemen and police women would be placed in the first ring of cordon in order to block Muivah and his followers.

In the second ring, more than 300 well-equipped police commandos would be placed to stop anyone who forced his/her way into Manipur border.

Meanwhile, DGP Manipur, Y Joykumar has reportedly issued strict directive to all state forces posted in valley districts to remain on alert.

Security personnel should be ready to respond to any call any time.

At the same time, the situation at Mao and nearby areas is reported to be highly volatile.

Any thing may happen.

Only the Centre's intervention can prevent the situation from turning ugly, reports said.