A Manipur police spokesperson has warned of calling in central forces to assist the police forces and the possibility of AFSPA being re-imposed again while condemning the assault of a senior police officer on Tuesday.
Speaking to the media at police headquarters IGP IK Muivah said, “We are civil police and every action taken are done moderately in general as per law after ensuring the safety of the citizen of the state. If the civil police are unable to do their duty due to the obstruction of CSOs and public then automatically central forces will have to be called in to assist which will be far more undesirable for the state.”
“The public and CSOs should know the situation. People and CSOs of the state had already experienced in the past, so we do not want to return to the past”, said Muivah.
He said the duty of police is to maintain law and order in the society.
Muivah further said not to misuse the social media that led to character assassination of a police officer.
Responding to media, commando personnel has returned to their duties however the commando personnel launched armed down due to frustration.
He further said various case have been already registered, might be it take time for years but action will be taken up for each case.
IGP (Admn), K Jayenta said, some miscreants made a life attempt on Additional SP M Amit and vandalised his residence and fired number of rounds, besides abducting him.
After the incident the said armed group tried to defame the said police officer as a corrupt police officer, he added.
Regarding the incident which occurred on Tuesday IGP (Os), K Kabib explained that one information was received about stealing/snatching of 2 (two) numbers of Ambassador cars, bearing registration nos. MN07-X 7682 & MN01-X-7683 by some unknown armed miscreants from Government Oil Depot, located at North AOC.
Based on this information the said officers, namely additional SP (Ops), M Amit Singh, Inspector P. Achouba Meitei (OC-CDO/IW) and other teams had conducted search and intercepted the two vehicles which were stolen/snatched, along with apprehension of one individual who was part of committing the crime. Later, in this connection one case FIR no. 106(2)2024 Imphal Police Station u/s 379A/400/506/34 IPC & 24 (1-B) Arms Act was registered and investigated into.
Further, an unsigned press note issued by police department said, “After the incident the members of Arambai Tengol had carried out targeted attack on the said police officers as well as attacked the house and properties in connection with the seizing of stolen vehicles incident and for lawful discharge of duties.”
Kabib added that if the public do not cooperate with the state police, Armed Forces Special Power Act might be re-imposed. Public should know that state police have the advantage of knowing the local situation other than central forces.
He said all the citizens are welcome to make complains at police but appealed not to take law in their hand as a law-abiding citizen.
In the press note issued by police it mentioned that the police department has been putting all out efforts to ensure law and order in the state, and the department appeals to the general public for extending cooperation to the police department. The public is requested to refrain from rumour mongering and circulating fake news.
It said besides AT is engaging in many anti-social activities like assaulting civilians, snatching of vehicles from public/ govt officials. They are also indulging in extortion from the common public and business men.
It alleged that they are garnering false support from the public in the garb of protecting the public but they are committing many anti-social activities and criminal acts. It appealed the public must not be misled and give co-operation to Manipur Police in bringing peace and tranquillity back in the State. Manipur Police remains ever committed to guard and protect the lives and properties of public.
Further, Manipur Police is also a neutral force and not acting against any community or in favour of one. Use of social media to target any officer or unit will be strongly dealt with by taking up cases and action.
On Wednesday night, an extensive area domination drive by combined force of MR/IRB/CDOs/Civil Police led by SPs of IE/IW/TBL/KCG/BPR Districts were conducted in the valley districts.
It also mentioned that combing operations will continue in the days to come and no one responsible for such criminal activities will be spared.
