Ex-Dy CM bats for deployment of state forces in Moreh
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, August 01 2023: Highlighting the fact that maintenance of law and order is the responsibility of the state, former DGP and ex-minister Yumnam Joykumar pointed out the need for ensuring safe and expeditious access of state forces to Moreh town.

Noting that additional police forces headed for Moreh aftermath of the recent act of arson and attacks by armed Kuki militants against Manipur police and BSF are currently stranded at Tengnoupal, the police officer-turned-politician told reporters at his Naoremthong residence on Monday that the blocking of security forces in Tengnoupal is a serious issue.

Citing reports of armed militants from Myanmar joining hands with Kuki militants bound by SoO agreement in attacking Meitei villagers as well as large consignment of illegal drugs brought into Moreh from across the border, he stressed that to prevent illegal infiltrations, adequate security forces should be deployed or else many unwanted incidents would happen.

While conceding incidents of preventing movement of security forces in the valley areas, he noted that such blockades in the plains are swiftly dispersed by security forces using tear gas shells and rubber bullets.

However, it is surprising as to why the security forces are not exhibiting any urgency in the case of Tengnoupal.

The state security advisor and the chief minister need to clarify over inability of the security forces to disperse the agitators and facilitate movement of the state forces to Moreh.

There are many police officers, even of the rank of sub-inspector who can handle such cases with ease, the former state police chief said.

While maintaining that security advisor Kuldiep Singh and DGP Rajiv Singh are not experienced to handle such cases, Joykumar suggested that the two consult with their subordinate officers for better understanding of Manipur's geo-politics.

They also need to discuss issues and problems along with the officers of army, Assam Rifles, BSF, CRPF and ITBF and send in adequate number of state forces to Moreh to handle the problem.

If at all needed, he, as a former DGP, is ready to provide all necessary help in the regard, Joykumar added.

Explaining the reason for the unlimited arms and ammunition in possession with the armed kuki militants amid gunfire incidents reported on a daily basis, Joykumar said that the agitation carried out by Kukis against deployment of security forces in Moreh and blocking entry of state forces clearly indicate that arms and ammunition are being supplied from across the border.

He also enquired as to why the tribal rally was allowed in the first place on May 3 by the district DCs and SPs concerned knowing well beforehand that unwanted incidents could happen during the rally.

Moreover, adequate security arrangements were also not made to control any unwanted incidents during the rally, which otherwise could have prevented the ethnic clash in the state.

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