Top cops refute statement of former DGAR PC Nair
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, September 10 2024: Manipur Police has categorically refuted the statements made by former Director General of Assam Rifles (DGAR) Pradeep Chandran Nair, who claimed that Manipur Police operate as separate force for the Meetei and Kuki communities, rather than as a unified state force.

He also contended during an interview with News9 Live that Kukis do not use drones to drop bombs and long-range rockets.

In a press briefing held at Manipur Police Headquarters, Babupara, here, on Tuesday, IGP (Ops) IK Muivah said, "We want to make some very important clarifications regarding the statements made by a very senior retired officer, former DG AR PC Nair, in which he said there is no Manipur Police, but rather Meetei Police and Kuki Police.

We want to refute such a statement as Manipur Police is composed of all kinds of communities, whether Meetei, Kuki, or Naga," stated IGP Muivah.

He further described PC Nair's comments as an "immature statement" showing "a very myopic kind of mindset" .

He reiterated that Manipur Police operate as a single, integrated law enforcement body representing all communities in the state, dismissing the notion of any ethnic division within the force.

Muivah said, "We want to clarify on the statement that there is no Manipur Police but Meitei Police or Kuki Police.

We want to dismiss that.

Manipur Police are composed of different communities including the Nagas, Meiteis, Manipuri Muslims and non-Manipuris.

There are Christians, Muslims and Hindus in this force".

"The statement that Manipur Police are a Meitei Police shows a myopic kind of mindset," Muivah, who hails from the Tangkhul Naga community, added.

On the issue of rocket and drone strikes in the state, IGP Muivah confirmed that forensic teams are currently analysing the explosives and bomb fragments recovered from various sites.

Although he refrained from sharing the preliminary findings, the officer assured that all evidences, including chemical traces, will be disclosed at a later stage.

The police are also considering handing over these cases to the NIA for thorough investigation.

"We are seriously considering handing over this kind of important case to the National Investigating Agency," he said, adding that police have also clarified on official media handles in connection with the drone bombings.

"We are taking it as an extremely serious development, and we are treating it with high priority," he added.

On the ongoing student protests, Muivah said, "Rallies and sit-ins are part and parcel of the democratic setup.

We appeal to the students not to indulge in violence and to conduct it in a peaceful manner.

Some vested groups are instigating (violence) and we are monitoring the social media channels".

He said action will be taken against those indulging in "excessiveness".

Screenshots are being taken for documentation for those who instigate violence and spread false messages with false pictures as it creates panic and confusion, he said.

IGP (administration) K Jayanta also raised the same concern over the statements made by Lt Gen PC Nair, who recently retired from service.

In addition to refuting Nair's statements on the composition of Manipur Police, the two IGPs also addressed concerns about drone bombing incidents in the state, pointing out that Manipur Police have already provided clarifications on the matter through its official social media handles and reaffirmed stance of the police department.

Jayanta said, "The statement is an immature one and seems to be his personal view and not of the force (Assam Rifles).

We strongly dismiss it.

There is evidence of drone and hi-tech missile attacks.

Drones have been recovered.

Tails of sophisticated rockets fired on civilian areas have been recovered.

Despite such evidence, it is very unfortunate that a distinguished commander would make such statements".

Regarding the ongoing student protests in Manipur, IGP Jayanta appealed for calm, urging students to avoid violence during their demonstrations.

"We understand that democratic rallies and sit-ins are part of our democratic setup, but we appeal to them not to indulge in violence," he said.

He stressed that violence during protests leads to unnecessary injuries to police personnel, students, and civilians alike, calling it "counterproductive." The police personnel, who would be deployed in the fringe areas to protect the civilians and counter threats are being confined in the state capital due to violent agitations, he said, while urging for maintaining peaceful environment.

Jayanta also expressed that certain "vested interest groups" are believed to be instigating unrest and that the police are closely monitoring social media platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp for any signs of incitement.

He emphasised that social media users should act responsibly and refrain from spreading misinformation or abetting extreme actions.

"We are taking screenshots of everything, even if it had been deleted later," he warned, indicating these would be used as evidences initiating legal action against those found guilty of spreading falsehoods.

Jayanta Singh said, "The crisis is very serious now.

It is time when security forces are required to meet any attack in the fringe areas.

The current agitation of the students has forced the deployment of security forces and spending of resources on dealing with the agitators".

During such difficult times, when security forces are needed to commit to protecting lives and properties in fringe areas from attacks, miscreants and anti-socials are taking opportunities of such an agitation to target security forces, he claimed.

A police personnel was hit by a bullet fired from protesters in Thoubal on Monday, he said and sought the cooperation from guardians and elders to control and pacify the students.

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