'SoO' figures in CM chaired meeting of unified command
Source: Chronicle News Service / DIPR

Imphal, July 03 2023: Chief Minister N Biren has stated that all bunkers, which have been illegally set up both in the hills and valley areas would be dismantled and also revealed that the army will lead the operation to contain subversive activities.

Briefing the media at the Chief Minister's Secretariat here on Monday evening, he informed that a combined headquarters (unified command) meeting was held earlier in the day attended by speaker of Manipur Legislative Assembly, rhinisters, MLAs, chief secretary, security advisor and top officers of Assam Rifles, Army, paramilitary forces and Manipur Police.

During the meeting, discussions were held on the prevailing situation including violation of ground rules by Kuki outfits under Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreement.

Instructions were issued to inspect the number of insurgents at designated camps along with their weapons, identify the violators and initiate strict action.

Biren informed that decisions have been taken to execute firm measures.

He spoke on the matter of people of both communities establishing buffer zones and setting bunkers illegally, while stating that no bunker other than by security forces is allowed in any places.

In this regard, the army will lead the operation joined by paramilitary forces, Manipur Police, IRB and MR personnel.

The demolition of the bunkers will help in curbing some of communal mindsets, he opined.

Biren continued: "Manipur is a state.

The government formed the districts in the state for ease of administration.

However, if everyone were to demand their own land and carved out 'boundaries', calling it a 'Buffer Zone', it is nothing short of the 'Line of Control (LOC)' scenario between India and Pakistan.

Manipur is inhabited by around 35 different tribes including the Meitei, who have been coexisting since time immemorial and wifi continue to do so in the future" .

Regarding the arrival of monsoon and the need to take up agricultural activities on time, he informed that around 2000 security personnel including Manipur Rifles and IRB who were earlier detailed for ministers, MLAs, VIPs, police officers and government officials or attached, have been mobilised for additional deployment at plac es adjoining the hill areas where agricultural works are being taken up.

The security personnel would guard and prevent disturbances caused to farmers of both com munities by armed miscreants, as long as necessary.

He reiterated that central forces have also been deployed at these places earlier.

Biren continued that posts for security forces would be set up at hilltops for better control of the prevailing situation and added that drone surveys would be conducted round the clock, with a central monitoring headquarters to monitor the situation and for reinforcement, if necessary.

Asserting that there is information of people roaming around in hills and valley areas with unauthorised arms, he informed that a mass frisking - checking will be put into effect.

Claiming that the law-and-order situation is improving, he appealed to the public to return the snatched arms and ammunition before legal actions are taken up.

The CM then informed that the government has decided to reopen schools from July 5 for class I to VII.

For class IX to XII, classes will start once the construction of prefabricated houses are completed and the displaced people taking shelters at different relief camps are relocated, he added.

Birenalso informed that a toll-free number - '18003090931' had been opened through which people can share grievances and enquire on matters related to relief materials.

Maintaining that the government would uphold the people's trust, the chief minister assured that the government would do nothing which could distort the integrity and administrative system of the state and would always work on the interest of the people.

He then appreciated the role of the civil society organisations of different communities towards bringing peace and harmony in the state, while further appreciating the contribution of womenfolk towards saving the integrity of the state and restoration of peace.

Biren also appreciated the decision to lift the blockade along National Highway No 2 .

Appealing to the public for further cooperation to the state government's effort to restore peace and tranquillity in the state, he expressed the need to make a better state for our future generation.

He further appealed to all concerned to stop continuing acts of violence, making communal statements/hate speeches and modifying /morphing photographs or videos to provoke the sentiments of the masses, while urging against believing and spreading of rumours without verifying the facts, especially on social media.

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