Excluding the areas falling under the jurisdiction of the 19 police stations, the ‘Disturbed Area’ status has been extended for the entire state of Manipur for a period of six months with effect from Monday.
A notification issued by commissioner (Home) Devesh Dayal stated that the 19 police stations are Imphal, Lamphel, City, Singjamei, Sekmai, Lamsang, Patsoi, Wangoi, Porompat, Heingang, Lamlai, Irilbung, Leimakhong, Thoubal, Bishnupur, Nambol, Moirang, Kakching and Jiribam.
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 stated.
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 said.
It further stated 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 mentioned.
It mentioned 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 added.
