Manipur Security Advisor Kuldeip Singh has assured that security forces would be directed not to interfere with media movement and coverage of events.
Briefing media-persons on the general situation in the state he said, “They should not interfere with any kind of activity of the media. Freedom of press must be upheld always. Whatever photos or videos they have captured should not be deleted. We will talk to them.”
Kuldeip Singh was referring to the incident where on Thursday, Army personnel deployed at Sabungkhok forcibly made media persons to delete photos and videos of the gun-battle which took place nearby and the subsequent lathi-charge of women.
ALSO READ: Manipur Violence: Fresh clashes at Sabungkhok, two injured
Regarding the incident of unidentified gunmen attacking oil tankers and assaulting drivers along the highways, he said that a separate escort is being provided to oil tanker drivers who are plying at NH 37.
CSOs of Noney and organisations representing oil tanker drivers are coordinating with state authorities and security officers. It is expected of the CSOs to find out the identity of miscreants who attacked the drivers, he added.
The movement of as many as 370 vehicles along NH-37 and 250 vehicles along NH-2 carrying essential items have been ensured. Strict security measures are being taken up in all vulnerable locations, and the security convoy is provided in sensitive stretches to ensure free and safe movement of the vehicles.
Giving an update about the present situation in Manipur, he said the situation in the state remained under control in the last 24 hours. Search operations were conducted by security forces in the fringe and vulnerable areas of Imphal West, Imphal East, Kakching, Thoubal, Bishnupur Kangpokpi and Churachandpur districts.
During the operations, the recovered items are 36 arms, 314 ammunition, 17 explosive and 101 others warlike items from October 10 to October 13, he said.
On October 10, at about 4.30 am, a combined team of SF and Bishnupur District police conducted area domination and sanitization in Khousabung area under Moirang PS, Churachandpur District and recovered two country-made ‘Pumpi’ guns he mentioned.
In October, Kakching District Police conducted cordon and search operations at Khoidum Pat area under HLM-PS, Kakching District. During the operation, one white plastic bag marked as ‘Soya Bari’ was found hidden in the secluded bushy area at the back side of Ibudhou Laishang at Khoidum Pat and seized two 9 mm Carbine 1A1 bearing Reg. nos. 16200640 SAF 1998 and 16200877 SAF 1998 , one empty 9 mm Carbine Magazine, one Indian made Hand Grenade marked as 36 MMK.
On Wednesday, Imphal West district Police arrested three cadres of a proscribed organisation involved in extortion activities, namely, Ningombam Khelen Singh, 28, son of N Inaobi Singh of Pukhao Khewa Phurju Awang Leikai, Laishram Bedan alias Rajo Meitei, 25, son of (L) L Dolen Meitei of Pukhao Khewa Phurju and Irom Davidson Singh, 26, son of I Daju Singh of Kakwa Huidrom Leikai from North AOC (under Imphal-PS) Imphal West district.
On Thursday, a combined team of SF and district Police Churachandpur while conducting combing operation at Gothol-Phouljang areas of Churachandpur district.
On Friday, on the basis of intelligence regarding transportation/ dumping of sophisticated arms and ammunition by some armed miscreants at Charoi Khullen under Loktak Police Station, a combined team of Bishnupur district Police and team of SF carried out cordon and search operation at Charoi Khullen area.
On Friday, teams of IW District Police arrested two active members of KCP (City Meitei) from Thangmeiband near Hot Bite Cafe, Thangmeiband. They are Ningthoujam Chalamba Singh ,26, son of late N Subol Singh of Khurai Sajor Leikai and Yendrembam Goutam Meitei ,25, son of Y Ahongjao Meitei of Sekta Mayai Leikai.
They disclosed that they have been working under the command of self-styled chairman Brojen alias City Meitei since June 2023 and on his advice, they demanded huge amounts from the shop owners of Imphal west and East area for their party fund.
He appealed to the general public not to believe in rumors and beware of false videos. Any circulation of unfounded videos etc may be confirmed from the rumor free number - 9233522822 of Central Control room.
Further, he appealed to return the looted arms, ammunition and explosives to the police or nearest security forces immediately. If anybody will be caught with illegal arms during search operations, stern legal action will be taken, he warned.
