Imphal, May 22 2010: Reiterating that there is no change in the stand of the State Government to ban NSCN (IM) general secretary Th Muivah from entering Manipur, Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh ruled out possibility of withdrawing security forces at Mao Gate.

As to the arrival of stranded vehicles from Jiribam along with Minister Erabot today, the Chief Minister claimed this has been possible because of the area domination exercise carried out in advance.

Addressing a press conference at the Chief Minister's Secretariat today evening, Ibobi said the State Govt would take up every possible measures to prevent entry of Muivah even if the Naga rebel leader tries to force his way into Manipur.

So, there is no question of withdrawing the security forces being deployed at Mao Gate.

The Chief Minister informed that 97 goods laden trucks that have been stranded at Jiribam were brought to Imphal safely today.

In order to bring back all the stranded vehicles safely, the State Government had sought the assistance of GOC 57th Mountain Division, IGAR (South) and IG CRPF, the Chief Minister said, adding that arrangements for bringing back the stranded vehicles have been made since May 11 .

After the area domination since May 15, instructions have been given for the stranded vehicles to set out from Jiribam in the morning of May 21, the Chief Minister explained.

In response to a question, the Chief Minister said that the Government has a long term policy to ensure there is no disturbance in the transportation of the goods on the National Highways.

Accordingly efforts are being made for development of National Highway 39 as four-laned road while that of National Highway 53 as doubled laned.

Development work along the National Highway 53, however, is yet to commence as the Ministry of Surface Transport has not yet given the go ahead signal in view of possible submergence of 12 bridges because of the Tipaimukh Project, the Chief Minister pointed out.

On top of this, work for laying the railway track is being taken up on war footing so that there is railway service upto Tupul by 2014 definitely, the Chief Minister said, adding that the Government is also paying attention on development of Guite Road as an alternative route.

Clarifying that the Government had not imposed restriction on Minister Erabot's visit to Jiribam, the Chief Minister, however, explained that there is a general order of the Government that any Cabinet Minister have to be accompanied by additional escort if they have to go out beyond the Imphal Municipality area.

The visit of Minister Erabot to Jiribam was not an individual visit, he added.

The Chief Minister also appealed to all concerned which are imposing counter-blockade as this aggravate the already tense situation in the State.

Comment