Imphal: The 132nd Manipur Police Raising Day was observed at the 1st Manipur Rifles Parade ground today. On the occasion, chief minister Nongthombam Biren announced that a Women’s Police Battalion will be set up soon and that the Ration Money allowance for Police personnel will be enhanced by Rs 500 each.
Chief guest of the event, chief minister N Biren began his speech by acknowledging the role of the state police in not only maintaining law and order but also in the field of sports and other works like assistance in civic works in the state. He said the government understands the challenges and sacrifices of the state police. Highlighting that there are no personnel or officers in the state police who have not taken extra duty during the past five or so months, he said the government has been putting efforts to maintain quality and transparency in supplying uniforms or rations to the state police.
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Further highlighting the supply of poor-quality belts and boots to police personnel which came to light in 2017, the CM said that since the BJP led government came to power in the state, they have ensured that there is no compromise in the supply of uniforms for the police. N Biren also added saying “we cannot forget the role played by the state police during the initial stage of the turmoil in moving families affected by the violence to shelter or relief camps. When we enter the state force or services, we should consider everyone as Indians or Manipuris, one may be a Meitei, Pangal, Kuki or Naga but once we don the police uniform, we should consider everyone to be the same and the priority should be to maintain law and order and protect lives and property.” Stressing further on the role of the police, the chief minister said that when the police fail to discharge their duties properly, lawbreakers take advantage.
N Biren also added that some of the arms and ammunition looted from the state police have been returned, and many have been recovered during combing operations conducted by combined teams from both hills and valley districts. Many have voluntarily returned weapons while expressing their confidence in the police and security forces, he said, and further appealed to those who have possession of illegal arms and weapons to return those to the state government. He added that no case or FIR will be taken up against those voluntarily surrendering their illegal weapons.
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Chief minister N Biren also stressed on the issue of drug abuse and said the War on Drugs campaign is not against any individual or community, but to safeguard and protect present and future generations. He further appealed to each and every personnel to put their full efforts to uproot the drug menace from society. He said surveys are being conducted to identify poppy plantations at different locations even using drones and UAVs. Prime minister Narendra Modi, home minister Amit Shah, defence minister Rajnath Singh and other central leaders are monitoring Manipur closely, he said and further lauded all the central ministries for their support and cooperation.
He further appealed to those blocking the National Highways to ensure free movement along the highways so that essential commodities reach all corners of the state including Churachandpur and Moreh and to strengthen the state’s economy. The chief minister also appealed against threatening drivers along the highways, extortions including in valley districts, threatening public, business persons, companies, and further warned of counter measures from the state commandos to curb such unwanted incidents. The chief minister extended his condolences to the 11 personnel including eight personnel of the Manipur Police, one from Assam Rifles and two from BSF who sacrificed their lives to protect lives, property and unity in the present turmoil which began on May 3. He said Manipur saluted and paid respect to the brave souls for their sacrifices.
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Manipur DGP Rajiv Singh, in his speech, briefly highlighted the history of the Manipur Police and said 132 years is an important milestone in the history of any institution. Following the Battle of Khongjom in 1891, the British organized for the first time the State Military Police of Manipur, the forerunner of the Manipur Rifles, he said. On October 22, 1948, the state Manipur Police was renamed Manipur Rifles, he added. The DGP also spoke about the efforts taken up by the police with support from the CAPF, Army during the violence which started on May 3, and said the state police with the support of CAPF and other security forces have responded immediately and heavily engaged in controlling the violence with priority on saving lives and property in the affected districts. DGP Rajiv also highlighted the achievements of the police force.
During the observation, the chief minister handed over the DGP Running Trophies. 1st Battalion Manipur Rifles won the DGP Running Trophies for the Best Battalion, Lamphel Police Station, Imphal West District won the DGP Manipur Running Trophies for the Best Police Station, while Dr Asem Satyabati of Lilong Police Station, Thoubal District won the Best Police Officer 2023. Other main highlights of the event were the Nishan Toli and March Past comprising 13 contingents. The Manipur Police Sports Club also showcased a skill show followed by a motorcycle display by personnel of the State Police. The chief minister also released a souvenir “Sportstars” on the occasion.
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