Asem Bhakta Singh, Special Correspondent North East
Imphal: (Waari Singbul Network ) Security system in restive Manipur took a different turn after new bunkers were on Thursday evening installed by the police in Imphal city and surrounding areas.
To clear the cloud of confusion, the police on Friday said that the makeshift defensive fortifications have been set up as part of the security measures to maintain law and order in the capital.
On the other hand, Meira Paibis ( women vigilantes ), who feel that the security personnel would utilize the bunkers to suppress the people’s movement in the ongoing ethnic conflict, dismantled two of the structures – one at Uripok and the other at Sagolband Tera area – soon after they were set up.
Meanwhile, reimposition of the controversial Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) by the Central government out of blues in Imphal valley is doing the rounds considering the installation up of the bunkers.
A senior police officer said the bunkers were installed as part of the security measures taken up by the government to maintain order.
“The bunkers are installed for the security and safely of the public. The dismantled ones would again be installed,” he said, adding that the new bunkers don’t mean that violence will escalate in Imphal city.
Meanwhile, the state cabinet on Friday enhanced the allowance for the state forces deployed in “vulnerable areas.”
Chief minister N Biren Singh, taking to Facebook, said “ The State Cabinet approved to increase the allowances for our brave Manipur Police Commando and other State forces in vulnerable areas.”
“Effective immediately, the allowance for Manipur Police Commando will be increased by Rs 5000, while the State forces in vulnerable areas will receive an increment of Rs 3000,” he added.
The decision has drawn praises from the cops as SP (special commandos) Th Krishnatombi Singh, who is currently posted at violence-torn Moreh town bordering Myanmar, said “We are grateful to the state government for recognizing our efforts in maintaining law and order at vulnerable areas.”
“Today’s cabinet decision will definitely encourage the state forces serving in difficult area in these hard times,” added Krishnatombi.
The cabinet, chaired by Biren as his office complex, also resolved to appoint the son of late Moreh SDPO , Ch Anand Kumar to the post of Assistant Sub- Inspector (ASI) and liberalised pension of the deceased from the home department.
Suspected Kuki militants killed Anand while on duty at the border town on October 31, last year.
Through scrutiny by agriculture and home departments, the cabinet also approved to sanction Rs.18.91 crore for 3483 verified affected farmers owing to the ongoing conflict in the state.
Ends
