Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Saturday chaired a security review meeting at the Cabinet Hall of the Chief Minister’s Secretariat in Imphal to assess the prevailing law and order situation in the state following the recent incidents in Kangpokpi district
IMPHAL — Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Saturday chaired a security review meeting at the Cabinet Hall of the Chief Minister’s Secretariat in Imphal to assess the prevailing law and order situation in the state following the recent incidents at Taphou Kuki village in Kangpokpi district and an ambush at New Heaven in Ukhrul district on Friday.
Four civilians, including a mother and her son, were killed when unidentified armed miscreants opened fire on a Swift car and a Bolero pickup vehicle at New Heaven along NH-102 (Imphal-Ukhrul road) under Litan Police Station in Ukhrul district on November 13.
In another incident on November 12, a woman was killed and two others sustained injuries in a firing incident between Kuki Taphou and Kailenjang villages under Senapati Police Station.
During Saturday’s meeting, it was decided that combing operations would continue to apprehend those involved in various crimes.
It was also resolved that security personnel deployed at respective security posts would strengthen security coverage in their areas of deployment.
The meeting further deliberated on measures to strengthen security arrangements in vulnerable areas of the state.
The meeting was attended by Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam, Chief Secretary Rajeev Singh Thakur, Security Advisor Kuldiep Singh, DGP Mukesh Singh, Additional DGP (Law and Order) Lhari Dorjee Lhatoo, senior officers of the Assam Rifles, CRPF and BSF, other senior officials of central security agencies, and officials of the Home Department.
Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho has called for dialogue and reconciliation while condemning the continued killings of innocent people in the state.
In a statement, Dikho strongly condemned the killing of four civilians at New Heaven along the Imphal-Ukhrul road on Friday.
"Our State has endured unimaginable heartbreak," he said, adding that the recent loss of innocent lives along roads and within communities had left deep wounds that violence and retaliation could never heal.
He observed that hatred and bloodshed had historically brought only destruction, adding that those who chose the path of conflict were ultimately held accountable for the devastation they left behind.
Stating that human life was precious and enough blood had been shed, Dikho appealed to civil society organisations, village authorities, youth leaders and all peace-loving citizens to come forward for dialogue and give peace a chance.
"True courage is not found in wielding a sword but in having the strength to sit across from one another and listen," he said.