The Government has extended the ‘Disturbed Area’ status for the entire state of Manipur for a period of six months with effect from Tuesday, barring the areas falling under the jurisdiction of the 19 police stations.
The notification issued by Commissioner (Home), Government of Manipur, N Ashok Kumar on September 26 by orders and in the name of the Governor, stated that the 19 police stations include Imphal, Lamphel, City, Singjamei, Sekmai, Lamsang, Patsoi, Wangoi, Porompat, Heingang, Lamlai, Irilbung, Leimakhong, Thoubal, Bishnupur, Nambol, Moirang, Kakching and Jiribam.
The statement mentioned that the approval to declare the disturbed area status was accorded by the Governor of Manipur in exercise of the powers conferred by Section 3 of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (Act No.28 of 1958) as amended from time to time.
It further stated that the Governor of Manipur is of the opinion that the violent activities of various extremist/insurgent groups warrant the use of Armed Forces in aid of civil administration in the entire state of Manipur except the areas falling under the jurisdiction of the said 19 Police Stations.
It mentioned that the state government is of the opinion after analysing the prevailing law and order situation in the state that it is not expedient to have detailed assessment on the ground as the Sister Security Agencies are preoccupied in maintenance of law and order.
It will be premature to arrive at any conclusion or decision on such sensitive matters without detailed assessment; thereby not appropriate to review the ‘Disturbed Area’ status of the state at the moment, it added.
It stated that the issue of declaration of “Disturbed area” status is highly sensitive and may likely attract public criticism and resistance if proper care is not taken.
Keeping in view the above and the overall law and order situation in the state and the capability of the state machineries, the state government has decided to maintain status quo on the present disturbed area status in the state of Manipur excluding the areas falling under the 19 police stations, it maintained.
