Gaikhangam inspects MR, VDF facilities
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 22 2012: Along with inspecting basic facilities of Manipur Rifles today, Home Minister Gaikhangam has called upon the security personnel to maintain and promote healthy relationship with the masses.

The Minister also affirmed that Highway Protection Force would be deployed as per requirements and taking into account the law and order situation of the State.

Speaking to newspersons on the sideline of an inspection visit at the first battalion Manipur Rifles today, Gaikhangam pointed out that deployment of Highway Protection Forces will not only be for the purpose of sanitising the Highways from insurgent groups but also to effectively tackle anti-social elements such as bandh/blockade enforcers and looters from disrupting transporters and passengers.

Conceding that frequent disturbances on the National Highways are the fallout of the prevailing law and order problem in the State, he expressed confidence that deployment of the Force would be able to minimise problems along the Highways.

Gaikhangam inspecting the sleeping cell of personnel

Confiding that the Government is determined to setup the Highway Protection force to ensure safe travel of passengers and transportation of goods, Gaikhangam also belittled reaction from a UG group against the deployment of Highway Protection Force with the assertion that public safety is top-most priority of the Government.

With regard to the duty of Village Defence Force personnel, the Home Minister said that relevant measures would be initiated to ensure utilisation of VDF personnel only for the protection of villages from subversive elements.

Further noting that according to situation VDF personnel assigned additional tasks, he affirmed that appropriate measures would be taken to deploy VDF personnel in safeguarding villages.

Pointing out that Manipur is still to have an exclusive traffic police unit, Gaikhangam hinted at reorganising and streamlining traffic police with the appointment of a DIG or IG-rank officer.

Seeking apology from the general public in case excesses had been committed by security forces while carrying out their duty, he assured that all possible measures would be taken up to prevent recurrence of any anti-people conduct.

Stating that there is need for healthy relationship between the common people and the security forces to accelerate all round development in the State, the Minister also noted that some structures/buildings of 1st Bn Manipur Rifles need to be repaired or newly constructed.

While some of the buildings, that are over 100 years old need to be preserved as historical monuments, there is urgent need for new buildings to accommodate Manipur Rifles personnel, he said.

Gaikhangam further stated that Manipur Police headquarters located at Babupara is so congested that severe inconveniences are being endured by the administration staff.

Stating a new site for construction of the police headquarters has been identified, he said that construction work might be initiated from new year.

Accompanied by Principal Secretary (Home) Dr J Suresh Babu, DGP R Baral, 1st MR CO and other Home Department officials, Gaikhangam's inspection covered offices of CID, Narcotics Cell, 1st MR oil pump and canteen, a felicitation function was also organised by 1st Bn Manipur Rifles at its Banquet Hall earlier this morning, during which Gaikhangam emphasised on commitment and discipline of all ranks in order to achieve the goal of effective administration.

Highlighting that the first battalion Manipur Rifles was commanded by an Inspector called Khomdram IP, the Minister said discipline and astute leadership of Khomdram IP was so popular that his name used to be mentioned to console/control mischievous children of that time.

Conveying that he would be carrying out inspection visits of MR and police bases in other districts in the near future, Gaikhangam exhorted the State security forces to strive for excellence and win confidence of the masses.

Noting that from a rustic beginning Manipur police have advanced significantly with the provision of modern weapons and communication gadgets, he stressed that discipline is a must in every security force establishment.