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Self-centeredness drags Manipur to woes: Manipur CM

128th Raising Day of Manipur police celebrated in Imphal on Saturday. (NP)

Correspondent IMPHAL, Oct 19 | Publish Date: 10/19/2019 11:32:29 AM IST

Self-centeredness among different communities living in the state have dragged the state into the pool of woes, said Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh on Saturday.

Singh said it was tragic that most of the communities of the state always think for themselves rather than cohesive thoughts.

“When we start thinking for common good leaving aside personal/community benefits, then there will be peace in the state,” he said.

Addressing the 128th Manipur Police Raising Day celebration held at the Parade Ground of 1st Manipur Rifles Battalion on Saturday, the chief minister reiterated state government’s commitment toward upholding the territorial integrity of the state.

The Centre has assured the state government that the territorial integrity of the state will not be affected in bringing solution of the ongoing Indo-Naga peace talks, he added.

“The state government believes that the Centre and its leaders would respect sentiment of the people of the state. The state government is vigilant and monitoring every stage of the ongoing peace talks,” he assured.

The Manipur police completed its 128th year of existence since its establishment in 1892 as State Military Police (SMP) that was formed following the defeat of Manipur’s King by the British in Khongjom War (April 1892).

The nascent SMP began with section strength of 1 European officer, 14 local officers, 49 NCOS and 400 sepoys.

On the occasion, the chief minister appreciated the efforts of the police in maintaining law and order of the state.

Singh announced that the government would construct a new city police station and also renovate the existing Imphal West Commando Barrack.

On the contribution of the women police personnel, the chief minister said that a special women commando unit will be established and around 100 women police personnel will be given special training in this regard.

The chief minister further announced that under a scheme of Union home ministry, a police memorial park and police museum would be constructed soon as a mark of respect and tribute to those police personnel who have rendered selfless sacrifice and service for the good of the state.

Earlier, speaking on the occasion, state DGP LM Khaute elaborately spelled out various activities and initiatives of the Manipur police in last one year.

He maintained that 527 militants were arrested with the recovery of 102 arms along with 8908 ammunitions during the period.

Around 925 cases were charge-sheeted by the state police.

In the war against drugs, drugs worth Rs 1336 crores were seized and 226 cases were registered under which 413 persons were arrested, he added.

He also stated that child friendly police stations have been inaugurated in various police stations across the state.

On the occasion, the chief minister distributed commendation certificates with cash rewards to various police officers for their outstanding contributions in different fields.

The best police station 2019 was bagged by Moreh police station, best battalion 2019 went to 5th Bn Manipur Rifles and best police officer 2019 was awarded to Md Wakibuddin, sub-inspector of Lilong police station.

Bhumika Shamurailatpam, who topped the High School Leaving Certificate Examination 2019, was also awarded a cash prize of Rs 5000 by the chief minister.

The chief minister took salutes from around 15 march-past contingents of civil police (male and female), police commandos, Manipur Rifles, India Reserve Battalion, Home Guards, VDF personnel and Manipur Police Dog Squad.

Singh further released a souvenir highlighting the various achievements of the Manipur police department in the last one year and also inaugurated blood donation camp at banquet hall of 1st Manipur Rifles Battalion.

State deputy chief minister Y Joykumar, some cabinet ministers, MLAs, chief secretary and top civil and police officers were among others who attended the function.