Cabinet tightens up security net

A thatch farm house at Khoidumpat burns after being set ablaze by security forces during the course of a search operation
IMPHAL, Feb 14: Taking serious note of the strong worded accusations made by the proscribed PREPAK against the Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh and his political workers, the State Cabinet has decided to set up a ‘special cell’ under the Director General of Police (DGP) to deal with such militant groups.A reliable source informed The Sangai Express that a meeting of the SPF Cabinet held yesterday in the Cabinet room with the Chief Minister in the Chair directed the DGP to set up ‘special cell’ to deal with militant groups specifically. The Cabinet decision to this effect was adopted primarily to tackle with threats posed by militant groups after the proscribed PREPAK issued stern warning against Chief Minister O Ibobi and a number of his political workers. The SPF Cabinet also agreed on giving incentive rewards to security personnel who could arrest or eliminate militants. Significantly, intent upon intensifying the ongoing counter-insurgency operation in the wake of heightened militancy activities it was also decided that similar incentives will be given to civilians in case any militant is arrested or killed on the basis of information provided by civilians. Names of those militants against whom rewards would be declared by the State Government will be listed by the DGP, the Cabinet meeting decided. The Cabinet meeting further directed the DGP to furnish names of militants, over-ground workers, supporters and contractors who are working with the support or collusion with militant organisations. It was also resolved to impose punitive fine application under relevant law of the land against individuals/villages in case they are found extending shelter to militants. The Cabinet meeting also agreed on taking up legal actions against such people giving shelter to militants.On the other hand, the Cabinet meeting decided to appeal to the Governor to convene fifth session of the 9th Manipur Legislative Assembly from March 17.Information recieved by the press affirmed that the Assembly session would be convened on the aforementioned date.It also agreed on conducting bye-elections to the four vacant seats of Gram Panchayat Members.The meeting resolved to rename Food and Civil Supply Department as Department of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution. The SPF Cabinet also gave consent to formulating Manipur Biological Diversity Rules 2008.Along with giving consent to amend the rules and regulations of the Forest Training School, the Cabinet meeting agreed on waiving off a loan of Rs 9,00,100 indebted to late MLA M Manindra.It further decided to extend the service period of Vigilance Inspector A Gourashyam by one year. The Cabinet meeting and subsequent resolutions assumes significance as the Union Minister P Chidam-baram during his short visit to the State recently had strongly advocated beefing up security apparatus to combat insurgency besides pointing to extorting as the chief factor impairing manipur.