IT News
Imphal, Feb 24
The ongoing ceasefire between the Government of India and the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN-IM) is not extended to the state of Manipur. This was stated by Chief Minister N. Biren Singh while replying to a calling attention motion moved by Congress MLA K. Ranjit in today’s assembly session.
Congress MLA K Ranjit sought an explanation from the state home department regarding the hasty release of a cadre of NSCN-IM who are arrested by Assam Rifles and handed over to Manipur Police. He also questions why the state police who were supposed to drive out mob blocking road remain mute spectators by taking video of the movement.
Answering the call attention motion, Chief Minister N. Biren Singh said that it is the judiciary that has to decide on whether an arrested person can be released on bail or not depending upon the nature of charge-sheet submitted by the investigating officer of the Police department.
“The cease-fire between GOI and the NSCN-IM is not extended to Manipur and the security force had already intervened in to stop the NSCN-IM from setting up camps at Tamenglong, Chandel, and Ukhrul”, N. Biren Singh, who is also in charge of Home said.
The calling attention motion was moved by K Ranjit in connection with the confrontation between cadres of NSCN-IM and the Assam Rifles that happened on February 20 at Senapati and the incidents that sparked out following the incident.
Referring to news reports appeared in local dailies, K Ranjit said that a Captain of the Assam Rifles and his team while conducting raid at an NSCN-IM hideout camp, was overpowered by the cadres of the NSCN-IM and was freed after snatching his service weapon.
He further said that on February 21 the AR troops arrested a Town Commander of the NSCN-IM from Senapati district headquarter and handed over to the police. He was later shifted to Lamphel police in view of the security condition. Meanwhile, supporters of NSCN-IM vandalized the vehicles of AR and even tried to torch it for arresting the NSCN-IM cadre.
Ranjit said the arrested NSCN-IM cadre was released on bail on the same day by producing at the residence of CJM Senapati district which happens to be at Imphal and released on bail. As per newspaper report, the NSCN-IM cadre was even escorted by state police till Senapati, Ranjit alleged and question for the reason of such act.
“The state police didn’t escort the released cadre and it is the judiciary that decides whether to release on bail or not as per the charge sheet”, Chief Minister N. Biren said. He added that no weapon or any incriminating documents have been seized.
In connection with the integrity of the state, N. Biren said that his government will never compromise the integrity of Manipur for any issue.