AR called out to assist police
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, February 29 2024:
In a first since violence broke out on May 3 last year, State police, citing breach of law and order, has requested assistance of Assam Rifles in several districts including Imphal West, Thoubal, Bishnupur, Churachandpur, Kangpokpi and Tengnoupal.
Several columns of the Assam Rifles would be deployed in sensitive places across the districts till the end of the State Assembly Session on March 5, said orders respective District Magistrates issued today.
The orders said there is apprehension of serious security threats to the life and property of citizens in the districts.
The Assam Rifles troops will coordinate with the district police concerned and assist civil authority in maintaining peace, added the orders.
Significantly, this new development came as the demand for abrogation of Suspension of Operation (SoO) gained momentum amid the State Assembly session which began on February 28, and after armed miscreants abducted and assaulted Additional Superintendent of Police Imphal West, Moirangthem Amit on February 27 .
Even as the Additional SP was 'rescued' the same day, police commandos of several districts had laid down arms yesterday.
While the orders today have certainly raised eyebrows, the deployment of Assam Rifles, on the other hand, may face strong protest from the people in the valley who have accused the Central troops of "siding with Kuki militants" in the ongoing conflict.
The Assam Rifles, since May 3 last year, has faced criticisms from the people in the valley.
Even the State police had confronted the troops on many occasions accusing the latter of obstructing police duty when the conflict was young.
Yesterday, widespread protests were held in the valley demanding removal of the Assam Rifles from Manipur, and the end of the Suspension of Operation (SoO) pact with Kuki militant organisations.
Meanwhile, in Imphal West, two columns of Assam Rifles troops will be deployed at Khongnang Ani Karak to Lilashing Khong-nangkhong upto North AOC and Krishna Premi Oil Pump to Secretariat upto Singjamei Chinga Crossing.
Further, 20 district administrative officers have been assigned as Executive Magistrates for maintenance of law and order across the district.
Similarly, columns of Assam Rifles troops will be deployed in all sensitive areas of Thoubal, Bishnupur, Kangpokpi, Churachandpur and Tengnoupal district till the end of the State Assembly session.