Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Thursday announced that over Rs 24 crore for ration money allowance for state police personnel will be increased by Rs 500 each and a Women Police Battalion will be established soon.
He made the announcement as the chief guest at the observation of 132nd Manipur Police Raising Day at Parade Ground of 1st Manipur Rifles, Imphal.
Biren, who is also state home minister in charge, said the state government gives important consideration to the activities of the police personnel; however, a sum of Rs 500 will be increased for each police personnel as ration money considering the financial constraints faced by the state government.
Responding to the media on the sidelines of the celebration, he said that there are 35 ethnic tribes in the state but all the police personnel should consider themselves as Indian first and a Manipuri later regardless of all ethnic belongingness. Only then equal services can be provided in the state for each person, and law and order can be maintained.
Stressing further on the role of the police, he said that lawbreakers take advantage when the police fail to discharge their duties properly.
He said regarding the law and order situation in hill districts including Moreh, more state forces have been deployed, and they have already reached their destination to start enforcing the law and order.
The government duly takes notice of the challenges and sacrifices made by the State Police, he said. Highlighting that there are no personnel or officers in the State Police who have not taken extra duty during the past five or so months, he said the government has been putting efforts to maintain quality and transparency in supplying uniforms or ration to the State Police.
Further highlighting the supply of poor-quality belts and boots to police personnel which came to light in 2017, he said that since the BJP led government came to power in the State, they have ensured that there is no compromise in supply of uniforms for the police.
“We can never forget the role played by the State Police during the initial stage of the turmoil in transporting the families affected by the violence to shelter or relief camps,” he said.
N Biren Singh said that some of the arms and ammunition looted from the State Police have been returned, and many have been recovered during combing operations conducted by combined teams from both hills and valley districts.
Many have voluntarily returned the looted weapons and expressed their confidence in the police and security forces, he said, and further appealed to those who have possession of illegal arms and weapons to return those to the State government. He added that no case or FIRs will be taken up against those voluntarily surrendering their illegal weapons.
Stressing on the issues of drug abuse, he said the War on Drugs campaign is not against any individual or community, but to safeguard and protect the present and future generations.
He further appealed to each and every personnel to put their full efforts to uproot the drug menace from the society. He said surveys are being conducted to identify poppy plantations at different locations even using drones and UAVs.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, union home minister Amit Shah, defence minister Rajnath Singh and other central leaders are monitoring Manipur closely, he said and further lauded all Central Ministries for their support and cooperation.
He further appealed to those blocking the National Highways to ensure free movement along the highways so that essential commodities reach all corners of the State including Churachandpur and Moreh and to strengthen the economy of the state.
He also appealed against threatening drivers along the highways, and extortions including in valley districts, threatening public, business persons, companies, and further warned of taking up counter measures from the State commandos to curb such unwanted incidents.
He extended his condolences to the 11 personnel including eight personnel of the Manipur Police, one from Assam Rifles and two from BSF who sacrificed their lives to protect lives, property and unity in the present turmoil which began on May 3. He said Manipur salutes and pays respect to the brave souls for their sacrifices.
He also wished all ranks and files of the State Police and the people of the State on the 132nd Raising Day of the Manipur Police.
DGP Rajiv Singh, in his speech, briefly highlighted the history of the Manipur Police and said the 132nd year is an important milestone in the history of any institution.
Following the Battle of Khongjom in 1891, the British organised for the first time the State Military Police of Manipur, the forerunner of the Manipur Rifles, he said.
On October 22, 1948, the State Manipur Police was renamed as Manipur Rifles, he said.
The DGP also spoke on the efforts taken up by the police with support from the CAPF, Army during the violence which started on May 3, and said the State Police with the support of CAPF and other Security forces have responded immediately and heavily engaged in controlling the violence with priority on saving lives and property in the affected districts.
Rajiv also highlighted the achievements of the police force.
During the observation, N Biren handed over the DGP Running Trophies. 1st Battalion Manipur Rifles won the DGP Running Trophies for the Best Battalion, Lamphel Police Station, Imphal West District won the DGP Manipur Running Trophies for the Best Police Station, while Dr Asem Satyabati Devi of Lilong Police Station, Thoubal District won the Best Police Officer 2023.
Other main highlights of the observation were the Nishan Toli and March Past comprising 13 contingents. The Manipur Police Sports Club also showcased a skill show followed by a motorcycle display by personnel of the State Police. Biren also released a souvenir ‘Sportstars’ as part of the observation.
The observation was also attended by Manipur State Assembly Speaker Thokchom Satyabrata Singh, Ministers Thongam Biswajit Singh, Yumnam Khemchand Singh, Konthoujam Govindas Singh, Awongbow Newmai, Sapam Ranjan Singh, Leishangthem Susindro Meitei, Heikham Dingo Sigh, Thounaojam Basantakumar Singh, Khashim Vashum, MP Rajya Sabha Leishemba Sanajaoba, MLAs, Chief Secretary Vineet Joshi, Security Advisor Kuldiep Singh, civil and police senior officials of Central Armed Police Forces, para-military, Army and others attended the function.
Later, Manipur Police Sports Club demonstrated their skills including body building, kickboxing, judo, karate, hockey, football, and others.
