New Delhi, August 17 2009: Chief Minister Okram Ibobi drew the attention of the Centre on some critical issues which needed to be addressed in a sustained manner to deal with the continuing militancy in Manipur.

In his deliberation in the Chief Ministers Conference on Internal Security held today at Vigyan Bhavan here, CM Ibobi said that hard intelligence was vital for carrying out effective counter-insurgency operations in Manipur, for which the state government had submitted proposal to the Ministry of Home Affairs for support to strengthen and upgrade the State Intelligence Wing.

He urged the Centre to accept the proposal.

He also demanded taking up border fencing along Myanmar on a priority basis in view of the open porous border with Myanmar which leave the militant groups easy to procure arms and ammunition and to take shelter in Myanmar.

Highlighting the shortage of police manpower, extortion by militant groups, need of security for development projects and security of government offices in Manipur, the Chief Minister urged the Centre to provide dedicated security and additional police manpower for effective administration in the State.

Informing that the MHA had sanctioned nine Indian Reserve Battalions including one Women Battalion for Manipur, Okram Ibobi said that the state has raised six battalions and manpower for the 8th (Commando) and 9th (Women) IR Battalions were being recruited.

He urged the Centre to provide a one time special package for acquiring land and creating infrastructure of the battalions sanctioned by the Ministry.

Highlighting the importance of the MHA's Scheme foe Modernisation of State Police Forces which helped in developing infrastructure for police stations, District Police and Intelligence Wing, the Chief Minister drew the attention of the Centre to extend the scheme for another five years and to increase the outlay for militancy affected states like Manipur.

He said, "Extortion by various militant groups and the safety and security of the people traveling along the three National Highways namely NH- 39, NH-53 and NH- 150 is of concern.

NH-39 is our life line for importing essential commoditites and for people to travel in and out of Manipur." He drew the attention of Union Home minister P.Chidambaram for creation of fund for National Highway Patrolling Scheme.

Informing that misuse of mobile phones for extortion was common in Manipur, He requested the Union Home Minister to advise the Ministry of Telecommunications to devise strict guidelines to regulate the verification of identity and address of the applicants.

He also suggested to ban prepaid mobile phones in Manipur.

Ibobi informed that the State Police Department worked out a comprehensive strategy for surveillance in the core areas of Imphal City.

He proposed to install CCTVs at vital points and to set up additional police outposts to check the movements of the militants groups and to intercept them.

The Chief Minister informed that the Suspension of Operations with the Kuki militant groups was being closely monitored by a Joint Monitoring Group chaired by the state home Secretary.

Construction of 10 designated camps had been taken up.

Financial assistance to the cadres had also been released.

There had been perceptible decrease in their activities, he added.

The Chief Minister also urged the Ministry of Home affairs to approve the State government's proposal of the Annual Action Plan for the year 2009-2010 and release the first installment.

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