AR warns militants operating in Moreh
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, January 09 2024:
Taking serious note on the persistent attack by Kuki militants on state forces in Moreh town, the commanding officer of 5 Assam Rifles said that the force will give befitting response if the attacks continue further.
Lieutenant General HS Sahi, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of Spear Corps, visited the border town on Tuesday and had a security review meeting at the IB post of 5 Assam Rifles.
IGAR (South) Major General Ranjan Shar-awat, 5 AR commanding officer Rahul Jain, Manipur Police DIG Range II Jogeshchandra Haobijam, SP Tengnoupal, DC Tengnoupal, senior officials of BSF and RAF, and leaders of CSOs like Hill Tribe Council Moreh, KSO Moreh Block, Kuki Women's Union and Human Rights Moreh, Kuki Inpi Tengnoupal, Tamil Sangam Moreh, Gorkha Samaj Samiti Moreh, and Manipuri Muslim Council Moreh attended the security meet.
The meeting minutely discussed the present law and order situation in the border town and measures to restore peace and normalcy.
HTC Moreh president Victor brought up their demands including replacement of Meetei police officers from commanding posts in the border town with non-Manipuri officers.
In response, Lieutenant General HS Sahi assured to discuss their proposal at the appropriate forum.
He, however, said that replacement of Meetei police officers from Moreh is under the jurisdiction of the state government and Army has no authority on the matter.
He also told the Kuki CSO leaders that persistent attacks on Security forces will derail the ongoing talks between Kuki leaders with the Central government and asked them to take initiatives in stopping the attacks.
Commanding officer of 5 Asam Rifles, Colonel Rahul Jain called upon the participating CSO leaders to maintain peace in the border town.
He said that some of the bombs fired by Kuki militants towards state security forces landed near the camps of Assam Rifles, BSF and RAF.
He also warned of retaliation from Assam Rifles if there is any further attack on the state security forces.
On Tuesday, Manipur police bomb disposal squad disposed an unexploded bomb fired by Kuki militants on Monday that landed near Hotel Elora in Moreh Ward No 9.Meanwhile, a statement issued by PRO Defence Wing said that Lieutenant General HS Sahi, General Officer Commanding (GOC) Spear Corps, visited the Assam Rifles Battalion in Moreh town of Tengnoupal District on Tuesday and undertook a comprehensive security review.
During this visit, the GOC engaged in a comprehensive interaction with the Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) wherein, aspects of early normalcy were discussed.
The visit was aimed at enhancing coordination, understanding ground realities, ahd fostering open communication channels between the military leadership and operational units.
Mention may be made that the border town of Moreh has been witnessing persistent attacks on state security force since December 30 last year using sophisticated weapons and Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPGs), which resulted in injury to at least six security personnel including a BSF trooper.