CM vows to identify illegal immigrants, ensure public security
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, November 22 2024: Chief Minister N Biren Singh has assured that his government will work with the Centre to take necessary measures to identify illegal immigrants and prevent them from engaging in any activities detrimental to the nation.

Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the swearing-in ceremony of the chief justice of the High Court of Manipur at Raj Bhavan on Friday, Biren outlined the state's priorities amidst the ongoing unrest.

Regarding the internet ban, the chief minister explained that it was necessitated to uphold law and order.

While acknowledging indispensability of the internet in contemporary society, Biren said the government was compelled to restrict access due to the November 16 incidents wherein houses of MLAs and ministers were targeted and shared live on social media, escalating tensions and inciting further unrest.

He condemned the actions of miscreants who exploited public sentiments and movements carried out in a democratic manner by civil society organisations (CSOs) and agitated citizens.

The protests, sparked by the Jiribam hostage killing incident, turned violent when some individuals resorted to vandalism and looting.

He cited specific incidents, including the theft of nearly 10 sacks of paddy from the residence of Lamsang MLA S Rajen, looting of jewellery items from Thangmeiband MLA Kh Joykisan, and the vandalism of the bed of minister Sapam Ranjan's mother.

Additionally, the photo of minister Govindas Konthoujam's father was burned, and an armed attack was carried out on his vehicle showroom.

The chief minister appealed to the public to be more vigilant and responsible in preventing such activities, adding that the government is open to democratic protests and rallies.

However, he warned of stern legal action against miscreants and those with politically motivated agendas who disrupt peace and security.

He assured that the internet ban would be lifted once the situation improved.

Sharing updates on the Jiribam hostage killing incident, Biren revealed that the security forces are conducting operations to apprehend the perpetrators.

He said that the armed Kuki militants involved were armed with sophisticated weapons, including RPGs, and had the intention to exterminate 115 residents of the Borobekra relief camp and 30 individuals at the local police station.

The chief minister credited the CRPF for it timely intervention, stating that had CRPF not responded timely, civilian casualties could have reached as high as 100.National Investigation Agency (NIA) has already registered a case to investigate the incident, he said.

The CM reaffirmed the government's commitment to ensuring safety of the people, stating that ongoing operations would continue until the culprits are brought to justice.

He emphasised the state's dedication to protecting lives and property amidst the crisis.

Responding to questions on the remarks made by former union home minister P Chidambaram regarding the current unrest, Biren criticised the initiation of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement in 2005 under Chidambaram's tenure'.

He alleged that the agreement was signed with underground (UG) leaders from Myanmar despite their foreign origins.

He named Zomi Revolutionary Army (ZRA) leader Thanglianpau Guite and Kuki National Army (KNA) chairman TS Haokip as Myanmarese nationals, highlighting that the latter had worked in a bank in Nagaland before assuming leadership of the KNA.

The CM clarified that the ongoing conflict in the state does not involve indigenous tribes such as the Thadou, Paite, Hmar, and Vaiphei.

He urged the public to understand who the real adversaries of the state are, emphasising the need to focus on identifying and addressing foreign elements operating within Manipur.

The chief minister reiterated his government's commitment to cooperating with the Centre to investigate these issues and ensure that illegal immigrants could not engage in activities on Indian soil.

On the other-hand, chief minister N Biren Singh told NDTV on Thursday that the CRPF's timely intervention during a "terror attack" in Jiribam district prevented the loss of several lives.

Biren said "10 Kuki terrorists" tried to enter a relief camp in Jiribam's Borobekra where 115 internally displaced people were living, but the CRPF foiled their plan.

All the 10 were shot dead in a gunfight with the central forces on November 11 in Borobekra, a village on the interstate border with Assam.

One CRPF soldier was injured.

"It s very unfortunate that eight innocent people were killed.

The two died in the attack, and six including three small children were kidnapped and mercilessly killed.

It is an intolerable crime," the Chief Minister said.

At least two dozen suspected Kuki militants had split into two groups before launching the attack in Borobekra, police sources had told NDTV.

While one group took six Meetei hostages, the other group of 10 men vandalised and set fire to houses, and killed two senior citizens from the Meetei community.

These 10 were later shot dead in the encounter with the CRPF, police sources have said.

Biren said the Manipur cabinet's resolution was placed "after a lot of thought", adding the Centre sent more forces to catch the "militants" .

" You can't deal with Kuki militants without the forces.

The operations have already started.

This was the demand," he added.

The Manipur cabinet has sought to declare the militants involved in the Jiribam terror attack of taking hostages and killing them as an unlawful organisation, or a terror group.

He expressed confidence that the Centre would look into the controversial Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, or AFSPA, by keeping in mind the "pulse of the people of Manipur" and will surely do something about it.

On the much controversial War on Drugs campaign, the Chief Minister said at least 500 acres of poppy cultivation has been detected in Kangpokpi district, which sprang up fast as the security forces are tied up with other priority tasks.

"Due to the present crisis, security has been tied up in some areas and cannot go out.

Taking advantage of this, six villages in Kangpokpi are cultivating a huge amount of illegal poppy.

Earlier, the forces used to go in the morning and evening to destroy illegal poppy cultivation.

At least 500 acres are being cultivated," Biren told NDTV.

"We have asked the Chief Secretary to send forces to destroy the poppy farms in Kangpokpi before they can be harvested.

They want to destroy the youth of Manipur by making them addicted to drugs, they want to harm India.

They are using many strategies to invade India," he said.

To a question about the National People's Party (NPP) withdrawing support to his government, Biren told NDTV he is not worried.

"The Congress has only five leaders.

They won only five seats after 15 years...here's nothing to worry about.

Whether the NPP withdraws or not, there is enough of a majority.

Those who want to give an excuse at a time when the state is going through hardships, let them be.

For example, if a lifeguard runs away when an incident is about to happen, let him run away.

I am here to save everyone," he said.

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