AR PRO explains, justifies SFs in civvies
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, July 27 2023:
In connection with the news report published in this daily on July 26 captioned SFs in civvies worry Khoirom locals' wherein the womenfolk of Khoirom appealed to the central forces, especially Assam Rifles, not to operate around the village area in plain clothes, PRO IGAR (South) urged all citizens to recognise the critical role being played by the security forces in nation building and to support an "Un-Hyphenated" operational autonomy of SFs.
A rebuttal issued by the PRO noted that the womenfolk urged security forces to inform the locals prior to arriving in an area and additionally take permission from the Manipur Police prior to planning an operation even in areas designated under jurisdiction of security forces.
Strongly asserting that the demand goes against the very core principles of operational freedom and threatened the effectiveness of their service in upholding the semblance of law and order in the region, it said that their operational role calls for flexibility and swiftness in execution while combating various threats/operational challenges.
"An unconstitu tional demand by non-stat utory bodies, requiring us to announce our movements would seriously inhibit our ability to respond promptly to emergent threats.
Compromising the operational autonomy of the Security Forces in favour of seeking permissions from other agencies is an unrealistic suggestion that cannot stand the test of effective functioning," it added.
Additionally such unten able and extra constitutional ideas can set a dangerous precedent that could impede the functioning of all central forces across the land, it cautioned, while adding that their ability to respond swiftly to threats and challenges is directly linked to our operational autonomy, which cannot be compromised under any circumstances.
Expressing that they have the trust and confidence of the government and the honest citizens of the society, it further said that it is their bound en duty to live up to that trust and faith by retaining fairness in execution of operational actions.