Securitymen asked not to harass former rebels: Manipur CM

Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, who also holds the Home portfolio, on Tuesday said that police and paramilitary forces have been asked "to stop forthwith harassing former insurgents" who have joined the mainstream.

There had been allegations of harassment to some former insurgents despite their signing the suspension of operations agreement with the government, the Chief Minister said in the state assembly in response to some observations made by Congress MLAs in the House.

Biren assured that if there were any further reports on harassment and torture to the former insurgents, strict disciplinary action would be taken up against the security personnel.

With regard to various crimes reported in the state, the government "is taking up suitable actions to curb the same", he said. Since the setting up of fast-track court for crime against women, eleven persons had been punished, he said.

The anti-corruption cell established by the current state government had also punished 16 officials. As and when there were reports of activities incompatible with the suspension of operations rules, raids were conducted, the Chief Minister pointed out.

He, however, admitted that he was surprised when six former insurgent groups -- which are signatories to the suspension of operations -- had called a 42-hour general strike starting Monday morning.

The strike was called off in the evening when an assurance was given that after the budget session, the Chief Minister would meet their representatives to hammer out contentious issues.

As the police said that there had been four bomb blasts within metres from the Raj Bhavan a few days ago, Biren said CCTV cameras would be installed in sensitive areas.

With regard to unconfirmed reports of terrorists setting up camps here and there, he said the police would examine the information.

--IANS

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