NEW DELHI:
Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh
on Tuesday said that a series of measures by the Central and state governments are under way to address the recent violent incidents in Jiribam. Massive combing operations have been launched in Jiribam and its surrounding areas to apprehend the perpetrators, with Singh pointing out that the operations will continue until those responsible are booked under the rule of law.
At a press conference, Singh outlined key resolutions adopted during a recent NDA legislature forum meeting in Manipur. These included a proposal to lift the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) from six new police station areas, transferring the investigation of recent killings in Jiribam to the National Investigation Agency (NIA), and intensifying
counter-terrorism operations
.
“On November 18, the NDA legislature forum in Manipur took a decision and sent it to the Government of India for implementation. There are 3-4 points, including the removal of AFSPA from the 6 new Police stations (PS areas) and the case relating to Jiribam’s heinous killing cases that will be handed over to the NIA, and
mass combing operations
against those terrorists will be continued. So, these are the few points which we adopted in the meeting and we sent to the Central government,” the CM said.
NIA takes over Jiribam cases
The chief minister confirmed that the Centre has accepted multiple points from the state’s proposals. The NIA has already taken charge of three key cases linked to the
Jiribam violence
and issued a press release announcing its involvement.
“As requested, the NIA has taken over all three cases related to the Jiribam incidents,” Singh said. “The Central and State governments have initiated joint combing operations in Jiribam and adjoining areas. We will continue till the culprits are booked,” he added
Missing person case from Loitang Khunou
Singh also addressed the disappearance of a person from Loitang Khunou, stating that the police have filed a zero FIR and launched a search operation.
“Today, a very unfortunate accident occurred, but not yet confirmed – one person from Loitang Khunou is missing. As per the report available to me, he went inside the Army campus for work, he was doing some financial work there for some officials. But, up to 2pm, he was in connection with his family. But after 2.30pm, the connection with him was lost. His phone turned off. Then the information came to the police and the police have already filed a zero FIR. Searching and investigation is on. We will continue it,” he said.
Appeal for calm
Amid escalating tensions, the chief minister appealed citizens to remain calm and refrain from violence, stressing the complexity of the issues.
“Let us work together with the Government of India to resolve these matters, including the lifting of AFSPA. Violence will not solve these issues. I appeal to the people to stay calm and avoid emotional reactions,” he said.
Manipur MLAs’ demands
Earlier, Manipur MLAs passed a resolution demanding a review of AFSPA and a declaration of Kuki militants, allegedly responsible for the
Jiribam killings
, as an “unlawful organisation.” They also called for a mass operation against the militants and the transfer of key cases to the NIA.
The resolution came after the tragic killing of six civilians, including women and children, in Jiribam. In response, the state government temporarily suspended internet services in seven districts to prevent the spread of misinformation and unrest.
