Imphal, Nov 3 Manipur Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh on Tuesday directed security agencies to identify armed groups, excluding those engaged in peace talks, suspected to be involved in recent incidents of violence in the state, officials said.
Singh issued the direction during a security review meeting to assess the prevailing law and order situation and strengthen security arrangements.
The meeting was attended by Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam, Chief Secretary Rajeev Singh Thakur, Security Adviser Kuldiep Singh, DGP Mukesh Singh and GOC of 3 Corps Lt Gen Girish Kalia, who joined through video conferencing.
Senior officers of the Assam Rifles, CRPF, BSF, SSB and ITBP, along with a Joint Director of the Intelligence Bureau and other officials, also participated in the meeting.
In a social media post, the chief minister said, “I directed security officers to identify the active armed groups, excluding those engaged in peace talks, suspected to be involved in the recent violence in the state and instructed the security agencies to submit a detailed report on the involvement of these groups at the earliest.”
Based on the findings, the state Cabinet would consider declaring such groups unlawful if their involvement in violence against innocent civilians was established, he said.
The chief minister also warned that action would be initiated against groups continuing to perpetrate violence against civilians.
“Such groups would be dealt with under the provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA),” he said.
At least five people were killed in two separate incidents in Noney and Senapati districts last week.
While three people belonging to the Kuki community were killed in a gunfight in Noney, two others were found dead in Senapati district after going missing from neighbouring Kangpokpi district.
(PTI News)
