No illegal bunkers will be allowed : CM
Schools set to re-open from July 5
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR

Imphal, July 03 2023: Chief Minister N Biren Singh has stated that all bunkers illegally set up at both hill and valley areas would be pulled down while normal class for Class I to VIII will resume from July 5 .

The Army will lead the operation to dismantle unauthorised bunkers and they will be assisted by State force, BSF, Assam Rifles and other paramilitary forces, he added.

The Chief Minister was briefing the media persons at the Chief Minister's Secretariat today evening.

It is reported that a meeting of the unified command was also held today at CM's Secretariat and some concrete decisions were taken.

Continuing that no private bunker would be allowed to be set up in any place, the Chief Minister added that a strong instruction has been given to dismantle all unauthorised bunkers set up in the State.

No illegal bunkers will be allowed : CM

He assured that all unauthorised bunkers in both the hill and valley districts will be dismantled within a week.

Regarding the arrival of monsoon and the need to take up agricultural activities, around 2000 security personnel including Manipur Rifles and IRB personnel would be mobilised for additional deployment at places adjoining the hill areas, where agricultural works are being taken up, N Biren said and conveyed that the security personnel deployed would guard and prevent disturbances to the farmers of both the communities.

He reiterated that Central forces had also been deployed at the places earlier.

Saying that escort, not all, of Ministers, MLAs, VVIPs, VIPs, police officers and Government officials would be withdrawn for field deployment, the Chief Minister maintained that agricultural activities would be allowed in both hill and districts for limited hours for two to three months under security cover.

N Biren continued that posts for security forces would also be set up at hilltops for better control of the prevailing situation and added that drone surveys would also be conducted round the clock to monitor the situation and for reinforcement if necessary.

He further said that security measures would be beefed up to check vehicles as there are many reports of transportation of arms and ammunition in both the hill and valley districts.

Asserting that there is information of people armed with illegal weapons being present at both hill and valley areas, the Chief Minister maintained that a mass frisking exercise would be started shortly.

Claiming that the law-and-order situation is improving in Manipur, he further appealed to all concerned to return the looted arms and ammunition before legal actions are taken up against those who possess illegal arms.

The Chief Minister informed that the Government has also decided to reopen schools from July 5 for Class 1 to 8 .

The Director of Education (S) L Nandakumar, in an office memorandum, has also said that normal class for Class I to VIII for all the schools in Manipur will resume from July 5 .

Classes for 9 to 12 standard will be started once the construction of prefabricated houses are completed and the displaced people taking shelters at different relief camps are relocated, he added.

N Biren further said that a toll-free number '18003090931' had been opened through which people can share grievances and ask for matters on relief requirements.

Maintaining that the Government would uphold the people's trust, he assured that the Government would do nothing which could distort the integrity and administrative system of the State.

The Chief Minister also appreciated the role of the civil society organisations and womenfolk of different communities towards bringing peace and harmony in the State.

Appreciating the decision to lift the blockade along National Highway 2 at Kangpokpi, the Chief Minister sought cooperation from the public to restore peace and normalcy in Manipur.

Saying that the Government wouldn't betray the trust of the people, N Biren assured that there won't be any disintegration of the State's unity and integrity.

The Chief Minister also condoled the demise of four persons during a clash at Bishnupur district.

Appealing to both the parties in conflict to shun violence and refrain from making statements which can hurt the sentiments of others, the Chief Minister further appealed to all media houses to refrain from publishing unverified news and edit even his statement if there are flaws to restore peace.

India is one and so is Manipur, he added.

Speaker of Manipur Legislative Assembly Thokchom Satyabrata, Ministers including Govindas Konthoujam, Th Basanta Kumar, L Susindro, H Dingo, K Leishiyo, MLAs K Robindro, Kh Joykisan, Dr U Deben, RK Imo, Sapam Kunjakeshore, S Kebi Devi, Sheikh Noorul Hassan, I Nalini Devi, Kh Ibomcha, Th Shanti, Kh Loken, and Hill Areas Committee chairman Dinganglung Gangmei also attended the press conference among others.