Govt establishes Integrated Anti-Extortion Cell
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, January 27 2025: Amid reports of planting bombs, firing shots and triggering blasts at government offices and private residences of government officials, business persons, contractors, etc., by armed miscreants in connection with monetary demands served, the government of Manipur has established a dedicated anti-extortion cell comprising representatives of state and central security agencies.

The cell set up with the stated objective to curb illegal extortion of money from civilians, government employees, contractors and others would be operational under the command of the state's home department.

As per a notification issued on Sunday by chief secretary Prashant Kumar Singh the Integrated Anti-Extortion Cell will have representatives from the state police, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), Assam Rifles and Army.

Informing that the toll free number 1800 202 3326 of the anti-extortion cell would be operational round the clock, the notification specified that the initiative aims to create an efficient and robust response mechanism to address demands and extortion-related activities, ensuring the safety and security of the public.

PK Singh, a 1993-batch IAS officer who took over as the chief secretary on January 15, said: "Reports have indicated that various individuals, including government officials, have been threatened with severe consequences via calls, messages or letters from unlawful organisations if extortion demands are not met.

These activities pose a significant threat to the law-and-order situation in the state" .

The chief secretary appealed to the public, including government officials, to report any such cases of threats or extortion (calls, messages or demand letters) to the Integrated Anti-Extortion Cell through the toll-free number 1800 202 3326."Upon receiving a report, the cell would coordinate with the relevant police stations to take appropriate action.

The public are also advised to avoid visiting unsafe locations," cautioned the notification.

Seeking full cooperation of the citizens in combating such unlawful activities, the chief secretary affirmed that the government is committed to safeguarding everyone from such disturbing demands and extortions.

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