Imphal, April 20: Manipur’s Home Minister, Konthoujam Govindas Singh, announced on Sunday that additional Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) will be deployed in the state after the elections in West Bengal and other states conclude.
The Home Minister informed the media that approximately 88 companies of central forces had previously been withdrawn from Manipur for election duty in various states, including West Bengal, Assam, and Tamil Nadu.
He further stated that the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) had initially planned to withdraw more forces from the state. However, following intervention from Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, the MHA assured that no additional companies would be withdrawn.
The Home Minister urged civil society organizations and the public to reconsider and withdraw the proposed five-day complete shutdown in the interest of public welfare and the state’s normal functioning.
Various organizations called for the shutdown in Ukhrul district and surrounding areas in protest against the alleged killing of two Naga civilians by suspected Kuki militants on Saturday.
Highlighting the difficulties posed by the prolonged shutdown, Chief Minister Biren Singh noted that daily wage workers, farmers, and students are among the most affected, especially since educational institutions remain closed.
He assured that the state government is taking the public’s concerns seriously and is actively addressing the issues raised.
The Home Minister mentioned that most demands related to the tragic incident on April 7 in Tronglaobi (Bishnupur district), which resulted in the death of two children, have been accepted by the government.
After a meeting with the father of the deceased children, Mangal Singh, the state government offered him a suitable government job equivalent to his current position in the Border Security Force (BSF).
Additionally, the state government has offered employment in state health services to the children’s mother, who is a trained nurse.
However, the family has requested time to consider these proposals.
This led to the decision to call for the five-day shutdown, which the Home Minister described as “extremely unfortunate.”
Referring to the incident in T. Kasom village in Ukhrul district, Chief Minister Biren Singh termed it “extremely unfortunate” and reiterated that the state government strongly condemns this act.
He noted that the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) had submitted a memorandum outlining various demands.
These demands were discussed during a joint meeting with TNL leaders and Naga legislators, led by Deputy Chief Minister L. Jayantakumar Singh. The Home Minister assured that the families of the deceased would receive compensation according to government regulations, and medical assistance would be provided to those injured in the incident.
Appealing for cooperation, Chief Minister Biren Singh urged all communities to maintain peace and resolve issues through dialogue.
He reiterated the state government’s commitment to addressing public grievances.
Regarding security deployment, the Home Minister stated that out of the 272 CAPF companies already stationed in Manipur, 88 companies had been recalled for election duty, and 15 other companies were initially scheduled for deployment elsewhere, bringing the total to 103.
However, following the Chief Minister’s request, 184 CAPF companies will remain in the state to ensure security and stability.
To enhance public safety, Chief Minister Biren Singh also announced the inclusion of modern security equipment, including mine-protected and bullet-proof vehicles.
The state’s Home Minister said, “We appeal to all communities to cooperate with the government. Our commitment is to protect the life and property of every citizen. Although this government is new in its term following President’s Rule, it is dedicated to restoring peace and normalcy. We request the public to give us some time.”
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