CM exhorts state forces to uproot drug menace
Source: Chronicle News Service / DIPR

Imphal, October 19 2023: Chief minister N Biren Singh has announced that a Women's Police Battalion will be set up soon, while also announcing increase in ration money allowance for Police personnel by Rs 500 each.

The CM made the announcement while attending as chief guest of the 132nd Manipur Police Raising Day function held at the 1st Manipur Rifles Parade ground, here, on Thursday.

Biren began his speech by acknowledging the role of the state police in not only maintaining law and order but also in the field of sports and other areas like assistance in civic works in the state.

He said that the government understands the challenges and sacrifices of the state police.

Highlighting that there are no personnel or officers in the state police who have not done additional duty during the past five or so months, Biren said the government has been making efforts to maintain quality and transparency in supplying uniforms or ration to the state police.

Regarding the supply of poor-quality belts and boots to police personnel which came to light in 2017, the CM stated that since the BJP-led government came to power in the state, they have ensured that there is no compromise in supply of uniforms for the police.

He continued that we cannot forget the role played by the state police during the initial stage of the turmoil in moving families affected by the violence to safer locations or relief camps.

"When we join the state force or services, we should consider everyone as Indians or Manipuris," the CM remarked, adding that one may be a Meitei, Pangal, Kuki or Naga but once we don the police uniform, we should consider everyone as same and priority should be to maintain law and order and protect lives and property.

Stressing further on the role of the police, Biren said that when the police fail to discharge their duties properly, lawbreakers take advantage.

However, any misbehaviour by police personnel will not be tolerated.

He then informed that some of the arms and ammunition looted from the armouries of state police have been returned, and many have been recovered during combing operations conducted by combined teams both in the hills and valley districts.

Although many have voluntarily returned the weapons, expressing their confidence in the police and security forces; he appealed to those who are still in possession of illegal arms and weapons to return the same to the state government.

He assured that no case or FIR will be registered against those voluntarily surrendering looted weapons.

CM N Biren Singh also spoke on the issue of drug abuse, and said that the 'War on Drugs' campaign is not against any individual or community, but to safeguard and protect the present and future generations.

He appealed to each and every personnel to put in their full effort for uprooting the drug menace from the society, informing that the government has formed a committee to look into the matter and surveys are being conducted to identify poppy plantations at different locations using drones and UAVs.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and other central leaders are monitoring the situation in Manipur closely, he said, while appreciating all central ministries for their support and cooperation.

He further appealed to those blocking the National Highways to ensure free movement along the highways so that essential commodities could reach all corners of the state including Churachandpur and Moreh and to strengthen the state's economy.

CM Biren also appealed to all concerned against threatening drivers along the highways, extortions including in valley districts, threatening public, business persons, companies, while warning of counter measures from the state commandos to curb such unwanted incidents.

Everything must be done politically and constitutionally, he added.

He then conveyed his condolences to the 11 personnel including eight of Manipur Police, one from Assam Rifles and two from BSF who sacrificed their lives to protect lives, property and unity in the present turmoil which began on May 3 .

The CM also wished all ranks and files of the police and people of the state on the occasion of 132nd Raising Day of Manipur Police.

DGP Rajiv Singh, in his speech, highlighted the history of Manipur Police and said that the 132nd year is an important milestone in the history of any institution.

Following the Battle of Khongjom in 1891, the British organised for the first time the State Military Police of Manipur, the forerunner of the Manipur Rifles.

On October 22, 1948, the State Manipur Police was renamed as Manipur Rifles, he recounted.

The DGP also spoke on the efforts made by the police with support from CAPF, Army during the violence which started on May 3.The state police with the support of CAPF and other security forces responded immediately and engaged in controlling the violence with priority on saving fives and properties in the affected districts.

He also highlighted the achievements of the police force.

During the function, the CM handed over various DGP Running Trophies.

1st Battalion Manipur Rifles won the DGP Running Trophy for the Best Battalibn; 6th Battalion Manipur Rifles and 8th Battalion Manipur Rifles won Second Best Battalion; while 5th Battalion Manipur Rifles won Third Best Battalion.

Lamphel Police Station won the DGP Manipur Running Trophies for the Best Police Station-2023, Khongjom Police Station 2nd DGP trophy for Best Police Station and City Police Station 3rd DGP trophy for Best Police Station.

Lilong Police Station SI Dr Asem Satyabati Devi won the DGP award for Best Police Officer 2023 .

Other highlights of the function included Nishan Toli and march past parade led by 2nd MR deputy commandant Bidyapati Thingbaijam (MPS).

The march past parade was participated by 13 contingents, namely Combined Manipur Rifles Male, Combined India Reserve Battalion (Male), Civil Police Imphal West Male, Civil Police Imphal East Male, Civil Police Bishnupur Male, Combined Civil Police Male, Combined Civil Police Male-Hill District, 9 India Reserve (Mahila) Battalion, Combined Civil Police (Female), Home Guard Male, Traffic Police Male and Manipur Horse Contingent.

The CM also released a souvenir titled, "Manipur Police Sportstars" as part of the observance.

The Manipur Police Sports Club showcased a skill show, followed by a motorcycle display by personnel of the state police.

The observance was also attended by Manipur Legislative Assembly speaker Thokchom Satyabrata Singh, ministers Thongam Biswajit Singh, Yumnam Khemchand Singh, Konthoujam Govindas Singh, Awangbow Newmai, Dr Sapam Ranjan Singh, Leishangthem Susindro Meitei, Heikham Dingo Singh, Thounaojam Basantakumar Singh and Khashim Vashum, Rajya Sabha MP Leishemba Sanajaoba, MLAs, chief secretary Dr Vineet Joshi, security advisor Kuldiep Singh, civil and police senior officials of Central Armed Police Forces, paramilitary, Army and others.

Mention may be made here that the total manpower of Manipur police is 42,268 which consists of DGP (Manipur), DGP (prisons), three ADGPs, 11 IGPs, eight DIGPs, one AIG, 33 SPs and 35 CO/assistant directors along with Home Guard and VDF personnel.

The Manipur police also has different units including 17 armed battalions, one Home Guard battalion, 16 district police units, CID (special branch), CID (crime branch), Cyber Crime Unit, CID (technical), state bomb detection & disposal squad, CID (security), CMTW, DGCR, NAB, Vigilance, SIT, Traffic Control Police, Railways, Sports, MPTO, Manipur Police Training College and Village Defence Force (VDF) .

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