NE a limb of India, asserts Rajnath
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, February 13 2015 : Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh who arrives here on a two-day official visit to the State has categorically stated that the North East region is a limb of India.

Rajnath Singh landed at Tulihal Airport in a special BSF aircraft this afternoon and headed straight to Moreh in a helicopter of the Indian Army.

There at the border town, the Union Home Minister interacted with high ranking AR officers even though he did not bother to talk with civilians or community leaders.

Nonetheless, leaders of different communities submitted a common memorandum to the Union Home Minister.

After holding a meeting with top Assam Rifles officers at the Moreh camp of 9 AR, Rajnath Singh made a direct assessment of the integrated check post being con- structed at Moreh gate no 1 and other infrastructure development works being under- taken at the border town.

Union MoS Home Kiren Rijiju, Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam, Industries Minister K Govindas, Joint Secre- tary (Home) Shambhu Singh and other high ranking officials accompanied Rajnath to Moreh.

The team also inspected immigration office as well as land customs office.

Briefing media persons there, Rajnath Singh stated that his visit to Manipur is aimed at gathering information and data about what types of development projects can be taken up in the North East region in view of its proximity with Myanmar.

"I'm here to look into the needs and special requirements, if there is any, of AR troops deployed in Manipur and the whole North East region", said the Union Home Minister.

Regarding reports about harassment of civilians by AR troops along Imphal-Moreh highway at Tengnoupal and detention of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister for 10 minutes, Rajnath assured that he would enquire the matter with AR authorities.

He further assured that AR troops would not be allowed to harass civilians.

"North East region is one limb of India and this limbs needs to be strengthened", Rajnath stated while appealing to all insurgent groups of the region to shun violence for at least 10-15 years and walk collectively on the path of development.

On being enquired about his assurance to set up two battalions of security forces by recruiting surrendered militants from Assam and Manipur, the Union Home Minister claimed that due preparations have been completed and recruitment process would be initiated soon.

With regard to the physical assault on a journalist by AR troops at Moreh yesterday, Rajnath again assured that he would look into the matter.

After returning from Moreh, Rajnath held a meeting with Chief Minister O Ibobi at the Raj Bhavan.

During the meeting, the Union Home Minister collected detail reports DCs and SPs about different issues.

On their part, the DCs and the SPs gave detail reports about extortion, abduction and other illegal activities carried out by UG groups under SoO pact.

It was also categorically reported that AR troops did not respect the National Flag and they had the audacity to detain a Minister's convoy.

Later Rajnath Singh convened a review meeting about the State's law and order situation together with the Chief Secretary, the DGP and officials of other security agencies.

During the meeting, the Union Home Minister directed authorities of AR and other security agencies to maintain cordial relationship with the public and cooperate with the State Government.

Even as a team of political leaders including ex-MP Rishang Keishing, ex-Speaker H Borbabu, Ksh Shanta and Y Ratan of CPI(M), Lien Gangte of NPP and JD(U) president M Tombi waited for the Union Home Minister outside the Raj Bhavan from 6.30 pm to 8 pm, the Home Minister never showed up as he went straight to Hotel Imphal from the BJP office to watch Manipuri classical dance which would be followed by dinner.

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