Imphal: Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh on Saturday said that the loss of lives in the arson in Churachandpur and during the attempt to snatch weapons from the Manipur Police Training College, Pangei and 5th IRB, Chingarel were unfortunate and that the government condemns the incidents in the strongest terms.
Magisterial inquiries will be conducted into the two incidents, the Chief Minister said Saturday addressing media persons at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat.
He continued that actions according to the law will be taken up against anyone found guilty.
It is the primary duty and responsibility of the government to maintain law and order, and protect public property and lives, N. Biren Singh said.
Biren Singh also stressed that legal action has been initiated against an individual who issued a threat on the SP, Churachandpur on social media.
Further reacting strongly against the 24-hour ultimatum served to the SP, Churachandpur by the (Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum) ITLF, the Chief Minister said these grave threats on law enforcing agencies and government officials will not be taken lightly and that the government will not turn a blind eye to these threats.
The Chief Minister stated that the government and all right-thinking persons of the State and country are with the SP and the DC, Churachandpur.
A respected leader had tweeted just before the incident at Churachandpur that no one was suspended when weapons were snatched in Imphal, while personnel was suspended in Churachandpur, N Biren Singh said, adding that it was an act of inciting and misguiding youth.
He said this was a blatant lie as the State government had suspended seven personnel in connection with the incident at MPTC, Pangei and 5th IRB, Chingarel.
Playing such divisive politics and misleading the youth is condemnable, the Chief Minister said, adding that the State government is also preparing to take legal action against the individual.
There is law and we will take appropriate actions, he said.
Stating strongly that there will be no compromise against any challenge on state or national security at any location, the Chief Minister said that additional forces have been rushed in the Sugnu area and Lailoiphai where there are reported gunfights to conduct combing operations.
He continued that the ADG L/O has also been instructed to inspect the activities in the area.
There is no buffer zone, boundary or jurisdiction identified in the State, the Chief Minister said, adding that certain areas have been identified as sensitive or hotspot zones.
He further assured the people that no area in the State would be left out of the purview of the State’s law and order.
Biren Singh also highlighted that the financial assistance of Rs 1,000 per individual to 59,800 individuals for those staying in relief camps has been sanctioned for the third time.
He further assured that the government will soon provide alternative accommodation for those in relief camps.
Stating that some anti-social elements are taking advantage of the situation and involved in activities like kidnapping for ransom, disturbances to developmental projects, and extortion along the national highways, the Chief Minister also made a general appeal against such anti-social activities.
During the press meet, the Chief Minister was accompanied by Ministers, Govindas Konthoujam and Awangbou Newmai and MLA Th Shanti Singh.
