Imphal, August 16: While stating that either the State or the Centre can reimpose the Disturbed Area Act anytime if the law and order situation worsens, Chief Minister Okram Ibobi has appealed to the people to maintain peace and cooperate with the Govt's endeavour to usher in normalcy in the State.

Speaking to media-persons after addressing the 58th Independence Day at 1st MR Ground yesterday, the Chief Minister said that the partial lifting of the disturbed area status on a trial basis from some areas of the State had been taken by the State Cabinet despite reluctance on the part of the Central leaders.

Considering the rising trend of insurgency related problems, which poses a threat to national security and integrity, the Central leaders were not willing to lift the Act even partially however, "We did it at our own risk" the Chief Minister said.

"Yes we feel and share the hurt sentiments of the public" but the demand for total lifting of the Act would be made only when the people and social organizations come out and declare openly that they would be able to contain the rampant killings, abductions extortions, destruction of public properties, Ibobi said.

The State Govt cannot keep mum, when anti-social elements are causing all sorts of problems and hampering all developmental works, said Ibobi and added that such activities should be suppressed at any cost to bring about peace and development in the State.

The Chief Minister also said that the Act would be scrapped completely from the State when Manipur is totally free from all anti-social elements and added that the State does not want to experience the Nagaland episode wherein the Centre re-imposed the Act twice after it was revoked by the Nagaland Govt owing to the deteriorating law and order condition.

Commenting on the current agitation, Ibobi said that the 32 organizations spearheading the stir is being supported and backed by underground outfits of the State.

Elaborating, he said family members are being compelled to go out and join the agitations by raising the threat of fines if they failed to do so, while indicating that the public participation in the agitation is not spontaneous.

CM Ibobi also said the leaders of the 32 organizations should be bold enough to come out in the open and fight the anti social elements if they really represent the people of the State.

He further appealed to all to maintain peace and help the Govt in scrapping off the act from the entire State.

On being asked about the ban imposed on the news channel of ISTV, the Chief Minister said the cable operator have been broadcasting the news channel without any proper licence.

The operators also frequently telecast news that could breach peace and tranquility in the State, he said adding that the Govt will see if the channel would be banned until it obtains proper licence by consulting legal experts of the Govt.Answering to a query, the Chief Minister said the situation in Imphal Municipal area is still very grave even after lifting the disturb area status.

Reacting strongly against the 32 organizations' boycott of Indian made goods, CM said the Govt would not tolerate such kind of attitude.

"We would never let them do such things and necessary actions would be taken up accordingly" added the CM.

As a part of the function the CM also gave away medals to 17 State, police personnel for their excellent service.

The medals included President's gallantry award, distinguished and meritorious service.

Gallantry award winners: Konsam Jayenta Singh (Addl SP Bishnupur Dist), Inspector (L) Naorem Rajen Singh, Maibam Sudhir Kumar Meitei (SI Imphal West Dist), Koijam Rakesh Singh (constable Imphal West), M Athouba Singh (Rfm 1st MR), L Gogo Singh (Con stable Imphal East Dist), Ng Binoy Singh (Constable Imphal East Dist), Md Akhtar Hussain (constable Imphal East), Samuel Prou (constable Imphal East dist).

Distinguished Service: L Ibopishak Singh (DSP traffic Imphal West Dist).

Meritorious Service: Lallian Mang Khaute (Dy IGP Hqrs), Anish Dayal Singh (Dy IGP Range -I), Nongmaithem Jotin Singh (Inspector Imphal West Dist), Lourembam Deben Singh (Traffic inspector Imphal West Dist), Mutum Mani Singh (Inspector Imphal West Dist), D Besii Mao (head Constable Senapati dist) and Kharka Bahadur (Naik 7th MR).

Meanwhile the Indian Govt has also awarded four police personnel of the State police department with the "Police Medal for Gallantry".

The awardees are K Santosh (SI), Jiringamba Singh (head constable), N James (constable) and A Premjit (constable).

On the occasion of the Independence Day, the State Govt also slashed down the life term of four convicts from six to two months and three months for another two.

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