Magisterial inquiries to be conducted over the loss of lives in the arson in Churachandpur district

Imphal: Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh on Saturday announced that magisterial inquiries will be conducted on the loss of lives in the arson in Churachandpur district and during the attempt to snatch weapons at the Manipur Police Training College, Pangei and 5th IRB, Chingarel in Imphal East district.

Briefing media at Chief Minister’s Secretariat in Imphal, Biren condemning and terming the incident as unfortunate said “actions according to the law will be taken up against anyone found guilty”. He also added that the primary duty and responsibility of the government is to maintain law and order, protect public property and lives.

The Manipur CM also informed that legal action has been initiated against an individual who issued a threat on the SP of Churachandpur on social media.

Speaking strongly against the 24-hour ultimatum served to the SP, Churachandpur by the (Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum) ITLF, the Manipur CM said these grave threats on law enforcing agencies and government officials will not be taken lightly and that the government will not turn a blind eye to these threats. The government and all right-thinking persons of the State and country are with the SP and the DC of Churachandpur, he added.

Highlighting about a tweet of a tribal leader just before the incident at Churachandpur that no one was suspended when weapons were snatched in Imphal, while personnel was suspended in Churachandpur, Biren said that the leader’s action was an act of inciting and misguiding the youths. He further said that the tweet was a blatant lie as the State government had suspended seven personnel in connection with the incident at MPTC, Pangei and 5th IRB, Chingarel.

 “Playing such divisive politics and misleading the youth is condemnable, and the State government is also preparing to take legal action on the individual. There is law and we will take appropriate actions”, the Manipur CM said.

The Manipur CM said that there will be no compromise against any challenge on state or national security at any location. He also informed that additional forces have been rushed in Sugnu area and Lailoiphai where there are reported gunfights to conduct combing operations.

Regarding the word “Buffer Zone” which is being used in Manipur, Biren said “there is no buffer zone, boundary or jurisdiction identified in the State. Certain areas have been identified as sensitive or hotspot zones. No area in the State will be left out from the purview of the State’s law and order”.

Saying that some anti-social elements are taking advantage of the situation and involving in activities like kidnapping for ransom, disturbances to developmental projects, extortion along the national highways, the Chief Minister also made a general appeal against such anti-social activities.