MHA team arrives, security beefed up in foothills
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, January 22 2024:
Amid the raging ethnic conflict in Manipur, a three-member team of Ministry of Home Affairs led by interlocutor of Suspension of Operation (SoO), AK Mishra arrived here on Monday.
According to a report, acting on the directive of union home minister Amit Shah to look into the ethnic conflict which has ravaged the state since May 3 last year, SoO interlocutor AK Mishra along with IB joint director (New Delhi) Mandeep Tuli and joint director (SIB Imphal) Rajesh Kamble landed at Imphal Airport on a special flight around 5.30 pm Monday.
The three-member team would closely monitor the conflict in Manipur and directly report to the Ministry concerned.
It may be mentioned here that on February 23 last year, it was notified that the agreement signed between the central and state governments, armed outfits United People's Front (UPF) and Kuki National Organisation (KNO) had been extended for 12 more months i.e., from March, 2023 till February 29, 2024.After the ethnic conflict broke out on May 3 last year, interlocutor AK Mishra held a meeting with Kangpokpi CSOs on May 11 with regard to the on-going talks between UPF and KNO.
The meeting was attended by officers of the Ministry of Home Affairs, representatives of Kuki Inpi Kangpokpi, Kuki Students' Organisation Sadar Hills, Thadou Inpi Kangpokpi District, Thadou Students' Association Sadar Hills, Thadou Youth Association Sadar Hills, Gangte Students' Organisation and other civil bodies.
Meanwhile, in the aftermath of escalating tensions and security concerns, the state government has initiated reinforcements of security forces across vulnerable areas and foothills in Imphal West, Imphal East, and Bishnupur districts.
This strategic deployment has come in the backdrop of series of attacks perpetrated by Kuki militants, targeting both civilians and security forces in the strife-torn state.
According to a reliable source, approximately 1000 additional personnel have been deployed strategically across these regions to conduct patrolling, thorough checks, and area domination.
The primary objective of the move is to deter any potential unwanted activities by armed miscreants and to ensure the safety of local communities.
The increased presence of security forces aims to create a robust security framework, enhancing the overall safety and security in these vulnerable locations.
The government aims to maintain peace and ensure well-being of residents in the face of mounting security threats through this proactive measures.
The extensive deployment is specifically designed to instil a heightened sense of security among the public, particularly those residing in the vulnerable foothill areas that have come under attacks recently, the source said.
The security forces will be actively engaged in conducting regular patrols, implementing thorough checks at key points, and establishing a visible presence to discourage any potential threat.
The strategy also includes area domination initiatives to prevent unauthorised movements and swiftly respond to any suspicious activities.
The source further said that additional security personnel will be deployed in Senjam Chirang to Khurkhul Maning Leikai; Kanto Sabal to Leimakhong; Khurkhul Park; Khurkhul Sevok; Laipat Paraol; Co-operative Leimakhong; Pangaltabi; Khongnangpokpi; Khurkhul Makha Leikai; Singda to Taretkhul; Koutruk Ching Leikai; NSUI Campus; Phayeng Ching Khunou; Kangchup Chingkhong and adjoining area; Kangchup Kharang; Tairenpokpi area 17 Sangaithel Lam dong in Imphal West district.
In Imphal East district, additional security forces will be deployed in Pukhao Tera Lou-kon; Khewa Phurju Loukon; Chanung Loukon; Leitanpokpi; Wakan; Sabungkhok; Seijang; Itham; Laikhong; Tumukhong; Moirangpurel; Sabingkhok Khunou; and CS Crossing.
More security personnel will also be deployed in Laimanai and Shantipur; Tera Urak; Keinou Ayokpa School; Phougakchao Awang Leikai; Haotak - Khaloubi; Haotak Awang Leikai; Khaloubi; Haotak Tampha Khunou; and Wangoo Naodakhong in Bishnupur district, the source added.
Meanwhile, BJP Manipur in-charge Sambit Patra is likely to arrive here on Tuesday to oversee the law and order situation and assess the political scenario of Manipur.
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