Deputy CM vindicates deployment of SFs at Ukhrul
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 21 2014:
Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam has reiterated that additional State forces are being deployed in Ukhrul as per security needs of the district headquarters but not to harass the public.
Responding to a query regarding the recent comment of the Chairman of the NSCN-IM Ceasefire Monitoring Cell, Gaikhangam said that NSCN-IM might have sought intervention from the Government of India on deployment of additional secu- rity forces in Ukhrul.
It may be mentioned that CFMG Chairman had recently said that ceasefire with NSCN-IM was effective only in Nagaland and not in other States.
Speaking to a group of reporters on the sidelines of Silver Jubilee celebration of Representatives of Lois, Kak-ching, Gaikhangam said that he had made clear on the floor the State Legislative Assembly some days back that addi- tional security forces are being deployed to maintain law and order in the district headquarters.
Making State Government's stand clear on the issue, the Deputy Chief Minister questioned which State Government would remain silent if the underground militants kill innocent civilians every now and then.
There is no report about harassment of public by security forces at Ukhrul so far, he said and added that people are fully aware that additional security forces are sent there to protect them and make them feel safe.
Gaikhangam, who also holds Home portfolio, said that the State Government would respond befittingly if anybody breaks the law anywhere in the State.
If peace and order is restored, there would not be any need for deployment of security forces, he added.
The recent action in Ukhrul district headquarters was not against any particular individual or organisation, but to bring peace.
Regarding imposition of CrPc 144 at Ukhrul district headquarters, the Deputy Chief Minister said that this prohibition is imposed in Imphal as well the whole year.
He said that the State Government sends information to the Centre from time to time and requested the Central Government to advise NSCN-IM to restrain from violation of ceasefire ground rules.