MHA advises Muivah to cancel trip to Manipur
Strict security vigil at Mao to stop Muivah, CrPC 144 enforced in Senapati dist
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 02 2010: The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has advised NSCN (IM) General Secretary Thuingaleng Muivah to abort the proposed visit to his native village Somdal in Ukhrul district and other Naga inhabited areas of Manipur.

To prevent the rebel leader from entering Manipur, restriction under Section 144 of CrPC has been clamped in Senapati district in addition to deployment of additional forces.

However protest rallies were reportedly taken out in Senapati district headquarters today evening to protest the removal of the Welcome Gate put up for Th Muivah at Mao by the security personnel.

Th Muivah during his recent meeting with Union Home Minister P Chidambaram

Similar steps have also been taken up at Ukhrul district headquarters with curfew to be clamped from 7 am tomorrow until further order, said an official source.

Additional forces have also been stationed at the district headquarters.

However a reliable source informed The Sangai Express that Muivah is not likely to visit Manipur tomorrow, but most likely on May 4 or 5 .

A high level official in the State Home Department said that the Ministry of Home Affairs has instructed Th Muivah to cancel his trip to Manipur. The NSCN(IM) General Secretary has been planning to visit different places of Manipur including his native village Somdal from May 3 to May 10 .

The Home Ministry's instruction came after it was apprised by the State Government about the prevailing law and order situation as well as the possible social upheaval likely to be caused by Muivah's visit to Manipur.

Nevertheless, noting the intention of Th Muivah to visit Manipur, the State Government has taken up extra security measures.

As part of the security measures taken up by the State Government, section 144 of the CrPC has been imposed along Mao-Senapati section of NH-39, and also along the road connecting Paomata, Tungjoy and Kharasom in Ukhrul district with effect from today until further order.

Accordingly, assembly of five or more than five people and carrying of tools that can be used as weapons have been prohibited.

These measures have been taken up to avert unwanted incidents, said the source.

Moreover, IG (L/O-III) V Zathang has been stationed at Senapati to prevent entry of the rebel leader to Manipur.

Other senior police officials stationed at Senapati include the SP of the district, SSP of Imphal West, L Kailun and two Commando officers from Imphal East and West (Ops).

The SSP of Imphal West with his team are stationed at Mao.

According to the State Home Department, 60 CRPF personnel including women personnel, 10 women police from the State Police Department, 60 personnel from 2nd MR, 200 newly recruited Constables and 16 teams of police commandos of Imphal East, Imphal West amd Bishnupur have been stationed to thwarth any unwanted incident.

Security posts have also been set up at Jessami to seal off all possible entry points, said sources.

The SP of Imphal East along with police commandos are stationed there.

Due procedures have been initiated to make Assam Rifles assist in the State Govt's security measures.

SDO Tadubi and SDO Paomata have been instructed to remain at their stations, conveyed the official.

As per the planned itinerary, General Secretary Thuingaleng Muivah would come to Mao by road and then travel to Kharasom via Tadubi.

From Kharasom, he would go to his native village Somdal where he would attend a fasting prayer session.

Muivah will also address a public gathering at TNL ground, Ukhrul.

Notably, the State Cabinet had dopted a resolution against allowing Muivah to visit Manipur and the same was forwarded to the Prime Minister and the Home Minister.