Imphal, April 11: Taking a a serious note of the deteriorating law and order situation of the State, a one day meeting of the SPF Government's Steering Committee agreed in principle to directly co-opt public in the maintenance of law and order.

The meeting held at the office chamber of the Chief Minister was presided by Chief Minister O Ibobi who is also in charge of the Home Department.

The Steering Committee meeting mainly focussed on the measures taken up by the Government in connection with the existing law and order situation.

During the meeting which lasted for more than two hours, it was observed that besides enhancing cooperation between police and other security establishments, promoting a healthy relationship between police and public would go a long way in the fight to maintain law and order in the State.

It also took serious note of the highly insecure situation prevailing in the society following repeated cases of abduction, firing and placing bombs at the residences of Government employees in connection with monetary demands and numerous other criminal activities which have become a daily affair.

On his part, the Chief Minister put forth a detailed report of the policies and programmes being initiated by the Govt to control the law and order situation which include extra security measures in greater Imphal area and the effort to open additional police outposts, disclosed a source.

Coalition partner CPI while maintaining that all the efforts and measures of the Government to restore rule of law will not attain the desired level without active involvement of the public, strongly advocated for direct involvement of the public in maintaining law and order.

With the Steering Committee agreeing in principle to the proposal of the CPI, it has also been decided to discuss the modalities and manner under which people should be co-opted in keeping the law and order agenda in another Steering Committee meeting which will be fixed after the CM returns from his Delhi trip on April 15 .

The CPI has also conveyed desire for the people to participate in the release function of a booklet scheduled for April 14.The booklet highlights achievements of the SPF Govt in the first year of its second tenure.

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