MHA asked to share prior info in case of impending arrest : CM
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR

Imphal, March 14 2024: The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has been asked to share prior information with the State Government if members of outfits under peace agreement with the Government must be arrested.

This was stated by Chief Minister N Biren Singh on the sideline of the inauguration function of a hotel management institute at Nongmaiching foothills today.

Responding to queries raised by media persons on how leaders/members of an outfit which is under a peace agreement with both the Government of India and Government of Manipur were arrested, N Biren stated that the Ministry of Home Affairs has been enquired about their arrest and the State Government has asked the Ministry to release them if they are not guilty.

MHA asked to share prior info in case of impending arrest : CM

The Pambei-led UNLF has been in peace talks with the Government.

The State Government has been making enquiries why the outfit's chief of army and other leaders were arrested, Biren said.

He said that the particular armed outfit was brought to the path of peace talk following sustained efforts by the State Government for around two/three years.

"I have asked all agencies concerned to inform me first if any leader/cadre of outfits in peace talks must be arrested", the Chief Minister stated.

The Centre has also been asked to give prior information to the State Government if there are cases of violation of ground rules by armed outfits under ceasefire agreement with the Government, he said.

Even if NIA or any other agency must arrest leaders or cadres of such outfits for violation of ceasefire ground rules, the State Government must be informed first and the culpable leaders/cadres may be identified collectively, Biren said.

The State Government is still unaware of the exact reasons for the arrest of the three leaders of the Pambei-led UNLF by NIA, he said.

Although there were reports that the three were arrested for their involvement in certain incidents in Kolkata, it is not yet clear how authentic these reports are, Biren said.

"The Centre has been asked to release them if they are not guilty but we cannot say much if they are guilty", he said.

If they are not guilty, the Government would not spare any efforts to carry on the peace talk smoothly and progressively, the Chief Minister said.

On being asked if he is preparing to contest the Lok Sabha election, N Biren laughed out and said, "Let's see what God decides for me" .

Earlier, N Biren inaugurated State Institute of Hotel Management (SIHM) constructed at Nongmaiching, Imphal East under the sponsorship of the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India today with Manipur Police Housing Corporation Ltd as the implementing agency.

The inauguration programme was organised by the Department of Tourism, Government of Manipur.

The institute offers courses like BSc Hotel and Hospitality Administration, BSc Culinary Arts and Catering, BBA Travel and Tourism Management and Post Graduate Diploma in Aviation, Hospitality and Tourism.

Speaking at the occasion, the Chief Minister said that the setting up of the SIHM is a very important step, and added that the tourism sector can contribute significantly to the economy and employment generation in the State.

Mentioning the beauty of the landscape where the institute is situated, he urged both the trainers and trainees of the institute to maintain a good relation with nature and to preserve it while enjoying its scenic beauty.

He also stressed on the need for showing a sense of belongingness and mentioned on the requirement to upgrade the approach road of the institute to a double lane road.

Mentioning the importance of developing tourism sector in the State, N Biren maintained that the State Government has taken up many development projects across the State like construction of Sangai Ethnic Park, Manipur Olympian Park, Water Amusement Park, Heritage Park at Makhel and Southern Cultural Centre at Behiang, among others.

The Chief Minister further mentioned the environmental degradation in the State and also talked on the rejuvenation works being taken up at Lamphelpat.

He said that developmental works could be taken up in foothill areas, where agriculture could not be taken up.

He stressed the need to preserve paddy land to ensure food security in future.

Regarding the law and order situation in the State, N Biren stated that the Government is putting in all possible efforts to bring normalcy in the State.

Security forces have been deployed in peripheral areas and political dialogues have also been initiated to resolve the issue as soon as possible, he added.

As the SIHM is situated in the foothill area, the Chief Minister has instructed the Deputy Commissioner and the Superintendent of Police, Imphal East to make arrangements for deployment of security personnel around the institute, to prevent disturbances from any unwanted elements.

Concluding his speech, he appealed to the public to work hard with double efforts to take the State towards further development, stating that the State has lost much time due to the unprecedented conflict.

Power Minister Thongam Biswajit, Works Minister Govindas Konthoujam, MLAs Th Shyamkumar, Sapam Kunjakeswor, Khuraijam Loken, Md.Ashab Uddin, Th Arunkumar, Th Shanti, Sheikh Noorul Hassan, Ex-MLA N Indrajit, Chief Secretary Dr Vineet Joshi and senior officials of the State Government also attended the programme, among others.