Manipur CM Biren Singh urges people to maintain law and order; not to obstruct security personnel

• Image Credit: Internet

• Jun 1, 2023 | Kabir Chakraborty

Such obstacles also make it incredibly difficult for security and police officers to respond to armed group attacks in a timely manner.

Digital Desk: Manipur Chief
Minister N Biren Singh on Wednesday, urged residents not to create
"roadblocks" and "hindrances" for the transportation of
relief supplies and security officials for dealing with security concerns posed
by illegal armed organizations in conflict areas in the State's foothills and
interior," the Chief Minister said in a statement.

"At a large number of locations, the public is violating curfew
restrictions, blocking roads and causing enormous obstacles to the free
movement of relief material for inmates in relief camps, as well as
transportation and movement of security personnel to meet security threats from
illegal armed groups in conflict areas in the State's foothills and
interior," the Chief Minister said in a statement.

mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;color:#222222">"Such
roadblocks exacerbate the suffering of our already traumatised people in relief
camps, including pregnant women and young children, by impeding the movement of
health personnel, medicine, food, milk, and water intended for them," the
statement continued.

mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;color:#222222">Such
obstacles also make it incredibly difficult for security and police officers to
respond to armed group attacks in a timely manner.

mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;color:#222222">"I appeal to the people
of Manipur not to cause roadblocks and hindrances on the free movement of
security personnel and relief material in order to save innocent civilians'
lives and property, and to alleviate the hardship faced in relief camps,"
N Biren Singh added.

color:#222222">I further request to all parties involved to return and submit
the arms and ammunition stolen from armed police battalions, police stations,
and other locations in valley and hill districts to the nearest police station
/ MR / IRB, etc. as soon as possible. "Legal action will be taken in
accordance with the Arms Act 1959 and Rules if any person is found to be in
unauthorised and illegal possession of arms and ammunition during combing
operations by security personnel, or otherwise," the statement said.

Meanwhile, Union Home
Minister Amit Shah met with senior authorities in Moreh, Manipur, on Wednesday
to assess the security situation.

color:#222222">Amit Shah stated in a tweet, "Held a meeting with the
delegations of Kuki and other communities at Moreh." They strongly backed
the government's efforts to restore normality in Manipur."

color:#222222">"Took stock of the security situation with senior officials
in Moreh (Manipur)," Shah tweeted again.

On Sunday, five people
were killed, including a Manipur Police Officer, a Bharatiya Janata Party MLA's
house was vandalised, and over 1,000 arms and ammunition were reportedly looted
by a mob from Manipur Rifles and IRB armouries, while combined Central and
state security forces gunned down more than 30 suspected Kuki mikitants in the
state.

There have also been reports of a mob stealing all weapons and
ammunition from the armouries of the 7 Manipur Rifles in Khabeisoi, the 2nd
Manipur Rifles in Deulahane, and the 3rd India Reserve Battalion in Thoubal.

According to security authorities, intense clashes are taking
place between suspected Kuki militants and security personnel in the Imphal
West district's Kadangband and neighbouring Singda regions. In addition to
targeting residents in several Manipur mountains, the terrorists set fire to
around 200 dwellings in three villages near Sugnu in the Kakching district late
Saturday night.