IMPHAL, Jan 24: The security set up in the state was put on high alert following an intelligence input that a proscribed insurgent group operating in the state was likely to strike security establishments and also disturb the Republic Day celebrations with a Rapid Propel Guns, RPG procured by them recently.
On the other hand, state authorities have identified 22 helipads including the Imphal airport for landing choppers at times of counter insurgency operations, following a meeting of the United Command held recently deciding to use helicopters in the operations.
A highly placed official source referring to intelligence inputs said Thursday that one of the powerful proscribed rebel groups fighting for sovereignty of Manipur has procured RPG recently and the same is likely to be used on an experimental basis for disrupting the R-Day or security establishments.
In Manipur, as many as 15 insurgent groups are actively operating but of them, six have been declared proscribed insurgents and the remaining are active groups. They are the People`s Liberation Army (PLA), People`s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK), United National Liberation Front (UNLF), Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP), Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL) and Manipur People`s Liberation Front (MPLF), an apex body of the first three rebel groups.
The MPLF along with other insurgents of the north eastern region of the country like the Kamatapur Liberation Organization, KLO, Tripura People`s Democratic Front, TPDF and the United Liberation Front of Asom, ULFA, have also called a general strike from 1 am to 6 pm throughout the region as a part of boycott of the Republic Day.
All the security establishments including the Army, Assam Rifles, Border Security Forces etc. involved in counter insurgency operations have been asked to maintain strict vigil in view of the intelligence input, the source disclosed.
Security was also beefed up at all the important places in the state to prevent any strikes on important establishments and to check movement of anti-social elements in connection with the smooth conduct of the Republic Day on January 26.
According to a senior police officer of the Manipur police department, the Central Paramilitary Forces deployed in the state have been called out to assist the state police in maintaining law and order.
Flag marches at all the important streets in Imphal and its surrounding areas were also staged since the last few days, he added.
In the meantime, following a decision of the United Command for counter insurgency operation in Manipur to use helicopters in operations, the state authority has identified 22 helipads.
The helipads were developed by the security forces after the areas were cleared of militant presence. Four helipads are located in Senapati district, three in Tamenglong district, two each in Ukhrul, Churachandpur and Chandel district, including one recently developed in New Somtal area where the security forces are conducting militant flushing out operations.
Mention may be made that the security forces involved in the "Somtal Operation-II" have claimed clearing militants in the 1000 square km area of New Somtal in Chandel district bordering Myanmar and asked the state government to resume civil administration there.
State chief minister O Ibobi Singh is also planning to visit the area within a short period of time
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