Central team suggests comprehensive action plan
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, April 26: After reviewing the law and order situation of the State with officials of the State Government and members of the Combined Headquarters, the central team led by Union Cabinet Secretary KM Chandrasekhar suggested formulating a 'comprehensive action plan' to tackle the problem of insurgency and to check the extortion spree.

On the other hand, the central team assured to construct 1500 houses in 21 villages located in New Somtal area in the aftermath of the counter insurgency operation launched there some time back.

The law and order situation of the State was studied jointly during a meeting held at the conference hall of Old Secretariat southern block today.

Map of the Jiri-Tupul-Imphal rail project which figured in the Central team's discussion

Besides the central team which included Union Home Secretary Madhukar Gupta and Defence Secretary Vijay Singh who were on a two day visit to the State, the meeting was also attended by GOC 3 Corps, GOC 57 Mountain Division, top officials of Assam Rifles, CRPF, intelligence agencies and the State Police Department.

Briefing media persons after the review meeting, Union Cabinet Secretary KM Chandrasekhar stated that basic purpose of the team's visit to Manipur is to assess prevailing situation of the State directly.

The meeting discussed on enhancing coordination between State and central agencies based in the State.

It was also agreed to provide all possible assistance to the State agencies from the side of the central agencies after identifying the basic problems being encountered by the State agencies, he informed.

On being asked about their assessment of the prevailing situation in Manipur, the Union Cabinet Secretary said the team was here to discuss all possible measures that could help solve the existing problem.

Saying that they were not here to find out lapses on the part of the State Government, Chandrasekhar, nevertheless, disclosed that all the members of the visiting team would present their own reports to their respective Ministries.

On the other hand, a reliable source informed The Sangai Express that the Central team urged upon the State Government to formulate a comprehensive action plan to tackle the problem of insurgency and extortion in the State.

They also maintained that security agencies should be allowed to take up necessary actions against elected representatives having close links with UG elements.

Over ground workers of various UG groups should also be identified at the earliest, the central team insisted.

While asking the State Govt to study feasibility of Heirok people's demand to provide them guns can be met by constituting village defence committee or village guards, the central team instructed the State officials to speed up border fencing work for a stretch of 10 kms on Moreh side of the Indo-Myanmar border, conveyed the source.

Taking serious note of frequent bandhs and blockades on National highways, the team suggested that State Govt utilise service of the army, if the State feels it necessary, to deter such disruptive activities.

The meeting also deliberated on deactivating mobile phone numbers found misused and to take up actions against the concerned service providers.

On the part of the State officials, they urged upon the central team to talk with leaders of Naga militant groups and stop them from robbing goods transported along national highways.

During the meeting, DGP Y Joykumar presented a power point on the countermeasures and methods being taken up and employed by Manipur Police.

From this year, the BRO would be constructing additional 78 kms of NH 39 in addition to the highway stretch already under its care, said Union Defence Secretary Vijay Singh.

The BRO would also construct another road from NH 150 till Tipaimukh, he added.

Making a review of the various projects/schemes being implemented in the State, the Central team assured that the JiribamTupul railway line will be completed by 2012 and this would be extended up to Imphal 2014.The meeting studied on the necessity to acquire 40 acres of land in Malom where a station for the Imphal-Jiribam railway line will be constructed.

As for the 8.1 kms long tunnel which should be constructed as a part of the JiribamImphal railway line, necessary approval has been sought from the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, informed the Central team.

After deliberating on the need to construct an oil depot which can stock petrol required for 60 days at Malom where the railway station should be built, the Union Cabinet secretary assured that construction works for an oil depot which can stock petrol for 30 days' requirement will be initiated this year.

The Central Govt has also agreed to reconstruct 1500 houses at 21 villages in New Somtal area under the Rural Development Ministry at the cost of Rs 27,500 per house which were affected during the counter insurgency operation launched there some time back, said the central team at the meeting.

They also expressed their desire to investigate into the mysterious disappearance of bitumen worth Rs 6.80 crores belonging to the State Works Dept by a central agency.

Nevertheless, the central team appreciated the State Govt for implementing the NREGS in the State properly.

Based on the reports collected by the team, the Union Cabinet Secretary will submit a report to the Prime Minister, added the source.