Imphal: Chief Minister N. Biren Singh stated that all bunkers illegally set up at both hill and valley areas would be pulled down. The army will lead the operation and will also be joined by paramilitary forces.
The Chief Minister was briefing the media persons at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat Monday evening.
Informing that a combined headquarters meeting was held Monday, he added that decisions had been taken to implement some concrete steps. He spoke on people of both communities establishing buffer zones and setting up bunkers illegally, adding that no private bunker would be allowed to be set up in any place.
Regarding the arrival of monsoon and the need to take up agricultural activities on time, around 2000 security personnel including Manipur Rifles and IRB had been mobilised for additional deployment at places adjoining the hill areas, where agricultural works are being taken up.
The security personnel deployed would guard and prevent disturbances caused to farmers of both communities by armed miscreants. He reiterated that central forces had also been deployed at the places earlier.
N. Biren continued that posts for security forces would be set up at hilltops for better control of the prevailing situation and added that drone surveys would also be conducted round the clock, with a central monitoring headquarters to monitor the situation and for reinforcement if necessary.
Asserting that there is information on people with possession of illegal arms roaming around in both hill and valley areas, he informed that a mass frisking would be started. As the law-and-order situation is improving, he further appealed to the public to return the snatched arms and ammunition, before legal actions are taken up.
The Chief Minister informed that the Government had decided to reopen schools from 5th July 2023 for classes 1 to 8. For classes 9 to 12, classes will be started once the construction of prefabricated houses is completed and the displaced people taking shelters at different relief camps are relocated, he added.
N. Biren also informed that a toll-free number ‘18003090931’ had been opened through which people can share grievances and asked for matters on relief requirements.
Maintaining that the Government would uphold the people’s trust, he assured that the Government would do nothing which could distort the integrity and administrative system of the State and would always work in the interest of the people. The Chief Minister also appreciated the role of the civil society organisations of different communities towards bringing peace and harmony to the State. He also appreciated the contribution of womenfolk towards saving the integrity of the State and towards restoring peace.
N. Biren further appreciated the decision to lift the blockade at National Highway No. 2. Appealing to the public for further cooperation on the State Government’s effort to restore peace and tranquillity in the State, he expressed the need to make a better state for our future generation.
Speaker of Manipur Legislative Assembly Thokchom Satyabrata, Ministers and MLAs also attended the press conference among others.
