GOC debunks 'Army shift' report
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, January 17 2009: "We are very much here, my flag is still here", said 57 Mountain Division GOC Major General Shakti Gurung pointing his finger to the Army flag fluttering in front of his office while interacting with mediapersons on the sidelines of a welcome ceremony of an excursion team of Churachandpur students organised at the Leimakhong military facility today.

The Maj Gen however declined to comment in detail regarding the news report published in the January 15 edition of The sangai Express that the Army's gradual withdrawal from the State is inevitable.

57 Mountain Division GOC Shakti Gurung and other officers with children of Ccpur district

Shakti Gurung, rather advised mediapersons to talk over the matter with the PRO of PIB (Defence Wing) .

The GOC also said that law and order in the State is improving considerably as a result of the concerted efforts of Army, Assam Rifles and State police forces.

Responding to a query on the recent attacks at the CM's bungalow and Raj Bhavan, the GOC opined that underground groups carry out such attacks out of frustrations.

UGs plan such petty attacks only to exhibit they are still active in the State, Shakti Gurung added.

Expressing on connection of State UG groups with Islamic militant groups (Jehadis), he said the Army does not have any formal input regarding connection of State UGs with Pakistani and Bangladeshi Jehadi groups.

The GOC also reiterated that Army would not tolerate any violation of SoO ground rules by any UG group who are party to the agreement to cease arm confrontation.

He also said that only people's movement against the UGs would bring peace in the State.

"As people are fed up with extortions and kidnapping, such a movement would come very soon," Gurung added.

Earlier the GOC welcomed an excursion team of Churachandpur students.

Shakti Gurung also interacted with the team who went for the excursion trip to Dimapur, Guwahati, and Kolkata under the aegis of 27 Sector Assam Rifles under the Military Civic Action Programme.

The team was led by an AR officer and comprised of two teachers, 16 boys and 10 girls from different parts of Churachandpur district.

Maj Gen Shakti Gurung also said the tour was organised to give a feel to the children that they are just not only a citizen of the State but a part of the entire India.