Not an easy task to deal with more than 50 UG groups: Gaikhangam
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, June 17 2013: Home Minister Gaikhangam has today said that there has been gradual improvement in State's law and order situation as people begin to disregard bloodshed and violence.

However, it is not a simple task to deal with more than 50 underground outfits in the State.

He was speaking during the discussion of six demands for Police, Vigilance, Fire Protection and Control, Jails, Home Guards and Rehabilitation amounting to Rs.980,94,44,000 in the ongoing 5th Session of 10th Manipur Legislative Assembly today.

MLAs Dr I Ibohalbi, Th Shyamkumar, L Ibomcha, Samuel Risom, Kh Joykishan, RK Imo, Alexander Pao, Nandakumar and Dr Ng Bijoy participated in the demand discussion.

Clarifying on the issues raised by the MLAs during the discussion, Home Minister Gaikhangam said that he has taken note of all suggestions and would strive to bring up the Home Department to the best level.

He further said that the State Home Department is dealing with myriad issues of the State and it is not a simple task to deal with more than 50 underground outfits in the State.

Moreover, it is an uphill task for the government to deal with people who are egoistic and stubborn with firm belief in class divisions.

The Police Department cannot be termed as a failure in the light of such difficult situations, Gaikhangam contended.

Home Minister further maintained that the strength of Manipur Police is about 30,000.It would be wrong to presume the whole Department as "bad" on the conduct of some unscrupulous personnel.

The police are withstanding all hardships to maintain law and order in the State and so the Home Department is striving to develop people-friendly police, he noted.

Taking a dig on police personnel involved in drug trafficking cases, Gaikhangam said that those personnel have been put behind bars and strict legislations would be made to punish the drug traffickers.

There is no partiality between high and low ranks and also the State government is trying to enforce discipline among the personnel of Manipur Police, Home Minister asserted.

Dwelling on law and order situation in hill areas, Gaikhangam said that law and order situation would eventually be improved in hill areas after the recruitment of 2000 police constables.

There is also transfer and posting policy for police personnel, but the Home Department finds it difficult to implement the policy due to numerous pressures, he added.

Home Minister appealed to all MLAs to render utmost support in improving the condition of State Home Department.

He further said that the State government is trying to develop Sajiwa Jail alongside preserving Imphal Jail as per Historical Monument Act.

The jails in other districts would also be made functional after deploying adequate number of security personnel, Gaikhangam added.

Rehabilitation for surrendered underground cadres would be set up soon.

The State government is trying to streamline the VDF personnel and strict action has been taken against the erring VDFs.

The Home Department would also discuss with the Chief Minister about the honorariums of home guards, he assured.

Gaikhangam also said that the State government is pressing the Centre for the establishment of Highway Protection Force and would enhance investigation team of Manipur Police.

The State government would also recommend those police personnel killed in action for gallantry awards, he said.

Raising cut motion to the demands, MLA I Ibohalbi stated that the role of police is to safeguard the people and maintain law and order in the State.

However, the people in the State have a fear psychosis of security personnel.

The State government should take up confidence building measures to restore faith and trust of people on security forces, he said.

He also demanded the State government to set up proper rehabilitation centres for the surrendered underground cadres.

Participating in the discussion, MLA Ibomcha pointed out that the accused in various crimes have not been given punishment and in some instances they have been released on bail without ever being charge-sheeted.

MLA Shyamkumar maintained that the VDF personnel should not be equipped with sophisticated arms and the police personnel who died in action should be given priority in recommending for gallantry awards.

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