Imphal: Chief Minister Y. Khemchand Singh on Sunday flagged off 477 newly procured vehicles for Manipur Police at the 1st Battalion Manipur Rifles Parade Ground, Imphal, under the Centre’s Assistance to States for Modernisation of Police (ASUMP) Scheme.
The fleet includes Bolero, Bolero Neo, Tata Yodha, Mahindra Rakshak bulletproof vehicles, Tata Mine Protected Vehicles, Tata 407 trucks, buses with wire mesh, water tankers, trucks, and motorcycles.
Speaking at the ceremony, the CM said the induction would significantly improve infrastructure, mobility, and response capabilities, especially in the hill districts. He credited DGP Rajiv Singh and his team for securing approval for the Rs 196.61 crore modernisation package covering mobility, forensic equipment, communication systems, smart policing, and security infrastructure.
Focus on hill districts
According to the DGP, 54% of the vehicles will be deployed in hill districts to strengthen policing in remote and sensitive areas, while 46% will go to valley districts, including technical and traffic branches.
The CM also acknowledged the role of Manipur Police in controlling violence since May 3, 2023, and assured continued steps to improve personnel welfare through higher ration money, uniform allowance, and monthly remuneration. He thanked the Army, Assam Rifles, CRPF, BSF, ITBP, SSB, and other forces for maintaining peace, and urged the public to resolve grievances through dialogue instead of violence.
Home Minister K. Govindas Singh thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for approving the scheme. He called on police personnel to strengthen police-public relations and function as a people-friendly force.
The DGP highlighted other welfare and modernisation measures, including anti-drug drives, recovery of over 7,902 arms, and the arrest of around 1,000 extortionists. He appealed for public cooperation in operations against extortion and anti-social elements, calling them key hurdles to peace, development, and education.
The ceremony ended with the CM flagging off the vehicles in the presence of senior civil and police officials.
