400 criminal cases recorded since IM signed cease fire pact: Dy CM

IMPHAL, Jul 18: Flatly rejecting the allegation that the State Government is biased as asserted by the NPF with reference to imposition of restrictions under CrPC 144 at Ukhrul town, Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam has categorically stated that more than 400 criminal cases were recorded in the hill districts, maximum of them in Ukhrul district in the past 15 years since the NSCN-IM signed the cease fire agreement.

NSCN-IM cadres have been committing all kinds of crimes including the murder of Government officers, SDO and their staff as if they have been habituated to crimes. Apart from a series of robbery cases, there have been many cases of involuntary disappearance. The intensity and frequency of crimes posed a serious question whether the State Government should still sit back.

The Deputy Chief Minister who is also in charge of Home Department made this statement during zero hour in the State Assembly today.

The NPF after taking stock of the prevailing situation of Ukhrul town, asserted that the State Government showed its biased attitude by deploying a large number of security forces and promulgating CrPC 144 at the town while no such measures have been put in place in the valley districts where violence of various forms take place every day.

MLA N Biren took up the NPF’s allegation in the State Assembly during zero hour with his observation that the same allegation puts the Government as well as the public in wrong light.

Saying that restrictions under CrPC are imposed in Imphal West and Imphal East districts round the year, Biren urged the Government to look into the NPF’s allegation.

Reacting to the allegation, Gaikhangam maintained that State Government has been doing what it ought to and all these steps are not targeted against any individual or community.

The Government is only discharging the duty entrusted by public. The Government sees no difference between the hills and the valley.

There is shortage of security forces in hill districts and this shortage are being made up by the army to some extent. Security forces sent to Ukhrul town were selected from the valley districts and there are Kukis, Nagas and Meiteis amongst them. As such, the question of bias does not arise at all, Gaikha-ngam asserted.

Restrictions under CrPC 144 are being imposed in the four valley districts since a long time back. If any group or organisation wishes to hold a mass rally or public meeting, they must first obtain permission from the concerned DC.

The DC gives permission only with consent of the concerned SP. The same procedures apply to Congress party too even if the Prime Minister or the Congress president or any key functionary of the party is visiting the State.

Discrimination between hills and valley is not desirable under any circumstances and people have no grudge at all. All the security personnel sent to Ukhrul town were given clear instructions not to do anything which may cause inconvenience to civilians. So far, there is no report of any harassment by security forces.

It is ‘them’ who is harassing/terrorizing the public, Gaikhangam stated without elaborating whom he was referring to.

Disclosing that the Government has learnt about some elements instigating civilians to call bandh, the Deputy Chief Minister stated that the situation is being monitored closely.

It is the primary duty of the Government to safeguard the integrity of Manipur and protect its citizens.

Drawing attention of the four NPF MLAs sitting in the House, the Deputy Chief Minister after reminding that NPF is a political party, appealed not to make one-sided or irresponsible statements.

Perhaps, NPF made such irresponsible statements under pressure even if they did not want to.

If there was no problem, no additional security forces would be sent there. The security personnel went there in the interest of the State, not at the behest of some individuals.

If there is no unrest or bandh and if there is peace, the security forces would come back automatically. Police, MR and IRB personnel deployed at Ukhrul are on a ‘peaceful mission’ and their conduct deserves appreciation, added the Home Minister.