Manipur Chief Minister Nongthombam Biren Singh on Tuesday asserted that the government has formed a special committee to investigate the recent looting of arms and ammunition from a designated camp of the proscribed Kuki National Army (KNA).
Biren was speaking to the media on the sidelines of the 173rd Death Anniversary observance of Maharaja Narasingh at Kangla, Imphal. He pointed out that according to ground rules of the Suspension-of-Operation (SoO), the designated camp was supposed to be manned by cadres of the outfit. But only four cadres were present when the said KNA camp in Churachandpur district was looted, he claimed.
“Combing and search operation is on to capture the culprits of the banned militant outfit, the Kuki Independent Army (KIA) involved in the incident,” Biren said.
The chief minister also mentioned that investigation is underway to ascertain why the majority of active KNA cadres were absent from their designated camp. The investigation will also look into possible corroboration between KNA and KIA, he said.
Biren reiterated that the investigation will leave no stone unturned and that all possible angles will be examined.
“The government does not take the matter lightly; all levels of the governance will be activated to resolve the matter as swiftly as possible,” he said.
On the matter of Manipur Bhavan in Kolkata, the chief minister informed that the state’s Work minister had gone to meet officials and inspected the construction of the Bhavan. The government will strive to finish the construction by the end of 2023, he added.
Biren pointed out that the construction of the Bhavan had been delayed due negligence by past governments.
“Contract for the Bhavan construction kept bouncing from one contractor to another and hence, the work remained unattended but the matter will be resolved and the construction will be completed,” he assured.
He further mentioned that Rs 14 crore was spent to repurchase the site for Manipur Bhavan in Gurgaon.
On the current demolition of churches at Tribal Colony, New Checkon, he simply replied, “It is a court related matter”.
About the reported missing traditional border at Sanalok planted by Maharaja Narasingh, Biren highlighted that an official team had been sent to the site to find out the missing pillar.
Biren further urged the people not to spill the matter out of proportion. On the occasion, the chief minister informed that a statue of Maharaja Narasingh will be unveiled at Moreh soon.
He pointed out that the government will strive to resolve the various issues plaguing the people of Manipur currently. Be it NRC updation or anything; the government will work for the people of Manipur, he added.
He further stated that the 35 communities of Manipur should strive to ward off any efforts to dismantle the integrity of Manipur.
“The government will not recognise other communities outside the 35; attempts made by outsiders to appropriate into the state’s community will be closely monitored,” he said.
During the observance, attendees paid floral tribute at the memorial of Maharaja Narasingh. A gun salute was also conducted to mark the occasion.
It may be mentioned that Maharaja Narasingh, Gambhir Singh and Herachandra played a vital role in recapturing Manipur from Burmese invasion during the ‘Seven Years’ Devastation’.
MAHUD Minister Yumnam Khemchand, Manipur DGP and other top officials of the state government were also present at the observance.
