Security alert in state for possible militant strikes

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

Attack ahead of R-day celebrations in Manipur

Imphal, January 25 (NNN): A security force personnel was injured in a suspected militant attack ahead of the Republic Day celebration last night at around 9.45 near Singjamei Supermarket in Imphal West district.
According to an official source, the incident happened last night when the occupants of a Maruti Zen car (MN1K-1188) fired upon the combined forces of police commandos and 32nd Assam Rifles who were frisking vehicles plying along the road. An official source also said that the security force personnel have also retaliated to the fire, but the car managed to escape.
The short exchange of fire has led to the injury of one security force personnel, an official source added. Police also claimed to have recovered that the car attackers used, this morning at Thongju part II in Imphal East district. Bullet marks were noticed in the back of the car which also shattered the wind shields of the vehicle. Blood stains were also seen inside the vehicle, according to the police. Apart from it, four empty cases of AK rifles’ ammunition have also been recovered, police claimed.
Meanwhile, the Manipur government is all set to celebrate the 59th Republic Day tomorrow with much pomp and show, amidst boycott and general strike called by various underground groups of the Northeastern India. Governor of Manipur Dr.SS Sidhu will receive the Guard of Honour and hoist the national flag at the historic Kangla Fort here. For a record, the Republic Day parade will be commanded by a woman police officer, Mamta Wahengbam, MPS, CO 5th IRB.
Fourteen police medals for Gallantry Award, 25 President Police medals for Distinguished Service Award, 3 police medals for Meritorious Service Award and 3 fire service medals for Gallantry awards will be distributed on the occasio

OPEN CHALLENGE TO INDIAN STATE

It was an open dare to the Indian government in Manipur. The banned militant outfit, the People's Liberation Army's militant outfit, Revolutionary People's Front openly celebrated their Flag Raising Day in Imphal.

In Imphal, cadres and sympathisers celebrating the day by hoisting the banned outfit's flags accompanied by gun salutes. In districts adjoining the capital, Imphal, more elaborate elebrations were witnessed.

People's Liberation Army's Mynamar based high command has also urged all insurgent outfits to unite and wage a war against India. Manipur, meanwhile, has been put on high alert and security heightened following this threat.