Imphal, May 11 2010: The State Cabinet has decided to order an investigation into the May 6 clash between police and protestors at near Mao Gate during which two persons were killed and many others injured.

A statement issued by the Home Department today said that the State Government has decided to institute a Magisterial probe into the May 6 incident at Mao Gate.

The State Government has also approved the payment of ex-gratia and granting financial assistance to the injured people according to the norms of the State Government, said a press release issued by the State Home Department today.

With a view to ease tension in the border area, the Government has also decided to deploy additional Central forces at Mao while appealing to all who have fled their homesteads to return.

Speaking to newspersons soon after a Cabinet meeting presided by the Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh, SPF spokesman and IFC Minister N Biren said the Home Department has been intimated to initiate an 'appropriate probe' into the incident.

He said the Cabinet decision was based on report submitted by the Chief Secretary DS Poonia and GOC 57 Mountain Division DS Hooda who visited Mao yesterday to take stock of the prevailing situation.

Among others, the Cabinet also decided to extend ex-gratia to families of the two persons who were killed in police firing as well as financial assistance to the injured as per Government norm, informed Biren while asserting that additional central security forces would be deployed in Mao area.

Dismissing as wild speculation that several residents have fled Mao and are staying at Kohima, the Government spokesman said there is no official information as yet.

Stating that in case the report is true, he on behalf of the SPF Government appealed to Mao villagers to return home for the State authorities are committed to ensure safety of the people.

Conceding that there is problem of shortage of essential commodities and petroleum products in the State, Biren appealed to organisations enforcing economic blockade along the national highways against the ensuing district council elections to call off the agitation in the interest of the general public.

The Minister iterated that the Government is most willing to hold talks and iron out any misunderstanding with the blockade sponsors.

Regarding ongoing construction works of JNIMS, he informed that new office building of the Imphal East district's Deputy Commissioner would be attached to the JNIMS as Medical Council of India's rule specifies that JNIMS complex should be in compact form.

Biren pointed out that as JNIMS is being established to produce qualified medical personnel in the region relevant infrastructure should commensurate directives of the MCI.

He further ruled out possibility of oil tankers passing through NH-53 having to equally distribute or off-load petrol-diesel enroute to Imphal for bridges along the Imphal-Jiribam stretch of the highway is capable of holding 24-25 tonnes of load.

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