MHA asks SFs to take steps to restore peace, order
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, November 16 2024: The Ministry of Home Affairs on Saturday directed all the security forces in Manipur to take necessary measures to restore order and peace in the state as the situation in the past few days remained "fragile".

Fresh tensions in the state arose after two Meetei civilians were burned to death by Kuki militants in Jakuradhor on November 11, and six persons, including three women and three children, were abducted.

Their bodies were found on Friday in the Barak River.

In the November 11 incident, 10 Kuki militants were also killed in an encounter with the CRPF.

The militants had attacked a police station and an adjoining CRPF camp with automatic weapons and RPGs while simultaneously targeting houses and relief camps belonging to the Meetei community.

They were killed when they attacked a CRPF camp, hoping to keep them occupied while they went on a rampage in Meetei villages.

Unfortunately for them, they failed to notice a bulletproof MPV mounted with an LMG, which responded to their attack and resulted in their deaths.

"The security scenario in Manipur has remained fragile for the past few days.

Armed miscreants from both communities in conflict have been indulging in violence leading to unfortunate loss of lives and disruption in public order," the ministry said on Saturday.

MHA said strict action would be taken against any person who tries to indulge in violent and disruptive activities, PTI reported.

For the purpose of effective investigation, the ministry has handed over important cases to the NIA.

The security forces have been directed to take necessary steps to restore order and peace.

Strict action would be initiated against anyone trying to indulge in violent and disruptive activities," it said.

The Home Ministry also requested the people to maintain peace, asking them to not believe in rumours and cooperate with the security forces in maintaining law and order in the state.

In view of the tense situation in the state, the Centre on Thursday had reimposed the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act in Manipur's six police station areas, including the violence-hit Jiribam district.

The fresh order came after the Manipur government's October 1 order, which imposed AFSPA in the entire state, exchiding 19 police station areas that include these six.

Imphal, Lamphal, City, Singjamei, Sekmai, Lamsang, Patsoi, Wangoi, Porompat, Heingang, Lamlai, Irilbung, Leimakhong, Thoubal, Bishnupur, Nambol, Moirang, Kakching, and Jiribam were among the police stations that were excluded from the state government's order.

AFSPA gives special powers to armed forces personnel in areas classified as "disturbed areas" to search, arrest to maintain law and order in such areas Notably, the order re-imposed AFSPA in the areas under the police stations of Sekmai and Lamshang in Imphal West district; Lamlai in Imphal East; Jiribam in Jiribam district; Leimakhong in Kangpokpi district; and Moirang in Bishnupur district.

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