CM instructs security officials to nab and initiate action against perpetrators of IT road incident

Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh has instructed the security officials to nab and initiate action against the perpetrators of the IR road incident on Thursday.

The Chief Minister chaired a high-level security meeting at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat, Imphal, on Thursday evening. The meeting was held following the 15-day ultimatum given by the Chief Minister on August 12 last asking individuals possessing any type of illegal weapons to surrender them.

The meeting discussed in detail the incident along the IT Road in Kangpokpi district, in which four innocent civilians were gunned down mercilessly and the meeting condemned the incident in the strongest terms. 

Further, the meeting decided to take stringent action against any individual, irrespective of community, found in possession of illegal arms and weapons.  Additionally, the meeting also decided that cadres of outfits under the SoO or peace talks with the Government carrying weapons beyond their designated camps would be dealt seriously and face action.

The  meeting was attended by Home Minister  Govindas Konthoujam; Chief Secretary Dr. Puneet Kumar Goel; Security Advisor Kuldiep Singh; DGP Mukesh Singh; Joint Secretary (NE) of Ministry of Home Affairs; ADGP (Intelligence/L&O); State Home Commissioner; IG CRPF; IG Assam Rifles (East); IG Assam Rifles (South); Deputy GOC 57th Mountain Division; Joint Director SIB; and Senior Officers of BSF and SSB and other security agencies.

Deputy Chief Minister of Manipur, Losii Dikho also condemned in the strongest possible terms ‘the heinous and barbaric’ attack on innocent Naga civilians allegedly by armed Kuki Militants  between Makui Ashang and Thanamba Naga along the IT Road in Kangpokpi District.

Expressing deep pain and distress over the tragic incident, the Deputy Chief Minister said that these acts of violence pose a grave threat to the ongoing efforts towards peace, normalcy and progress in the State.

Describing the incident as a direct assault on the security and dignity of the people he added that every innocent life lost to such senseless violence is a profound tragedy that affects us all. 

Dikho asserted that the deliberate targeting of innocent civilians is utterly reprehensible and cannot be justified under any circumstances while assuring all necessary support and assistance would be extended to those injured and to the affected families.

Losii Dikho also conveyed his deepest condolences to the bereaved families who have lost their loved ones in the tragic incident, stating that he shares their grief and stands firmly with them during this difficult hour.

Appealing to all sections of the people to remain resolute in rejecting violence in all its forms, the Dikho said that the collective resolve for peace must be stronger than forces seeking to divide the people. 

The deputy chief minister urged the public not to allow such acts of violence to deepen existing divisions or undermine the hard-earned progress towards peace and normalcy in the State.