Eastern Command GOC-in-C in Manipur to review security scenario
GENERAL
Imphal: Top military officers on Tuesday reviewed the security scenario in restive Manipur even as chief minister N Biren Singh reiterated that the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has already announced the present crisis in the state is a war waging against the nation.
General Officer Commanding in Chief (GOC-in-C) Eastern Command Lt Gen Ram Chander Tiwari called on Governor Anusuiya Uikey to discuss and deliberate on the prevailing law and order situation gripping Manipur and future trajectory to restore normalcy soon.
On the other hand, GOC 3 Corps Lt General HS Sahi also visited Manipur’s border town of Moreh and undertook a comprehensive security review.
These developments coincided with the recovery of a huge cache of arms and ammunition in Churachandpur district by a joint team of Assam Rifles (AR) and the state police.
Governor Uikey congratulated GOC-in-C Lt Gen Ram Chander on assuming the charge of Eastern Army command and further shared her views and suggestions for restoring normalcy in the state.
She also commended the continuous efforts of Indian Army and AR in restoring peace in the state and their dedication to maintain security and stability in the state.
An AR statement said that during Lt Gen HS Sahi’s Moreh visit, he engaged in a comprehensive interaction with Civil Society Organization (CSOs) wherein aspects for early of normalcy were discussed.
It added that the Moreh visit is aimed at enhancing coordination, understanding ground realities, and fostering open communication channels between the military leadership and operational units.
Chief minister N Biren Singh, at a state function in Imphal on Tuesday said “ the Central government is standing for Manipur and the NIA under Home Ministry of the Central Government has already announced the present crisis in the State is waging war against the Government of India.”
He said a joint security team Assam Rifles, BSF and Manipur police commandos have been countering the militant attacks at Moreh.
There is no worry for inflicting casualty on the civilians at Moreh in it, the chief minister added.
“In Moreh, some militants attacked state forces and central security as well. It is a primary duty for the state to maintain peace in the region. Both central forces, Assam rifles, BSF and state forces are working together to stop the militants. Yesterday evening militants attacked both the state as well as central forces. Massive combing operation is going on at Moreh right now,” the CM said.
On the recovery of arms, the rifles’ statement said acting on specific intelligence regarding presence of arms and ammunition in general area Khotuh Village in Churachandpur, AR and Manipur Police launched a joint search operation.
The joint team recovered 13 weapons , including one 9mm Carbine, a 9mm pistol, five Single barrel rifles, one tear gas gun, eight hand grenades, five improvised mortars ammunition and other war like stores, said the statement.
The recovered items have been handed over to Henglep police station, for further investigations.
The Indian Army General’s Moreh visit gains significance against the backdrop of escalating violence.
Moreh, the international border trading town, has been witnessing a surge in violence since New Year’s Eve.
Suspected Kuki-Chin militants, equipped with sophisticated weaponry, launched intense attacks on the combined security forces. These assaults resulted in the injury of at least 8 security personnel, including BSF Jawan. Reports indicate that at least two militants were neutralised during the retaliatory firing.