DGP P Doungel: No rape cases in Churachandpur; strict action against those who snatched arms from PS

Imphal: A day after change in police brass in violence-hit Manipur State, where ADGP Ashutosh Sinha was appointed operational commander hours after the appointment of retired IPS officer and former Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) chief Kuldiep Singh as its security advisor, Manipur DGP P Doungel on Friday appealed the people of the State to stay calm for normalcy to return.

DGP P Doungel while said that the dealing and response of the Indian army under the circumstances will be different from that of State police, advised all to stay indoors.

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He also clarified that no rape cases are reported in Churachandpur.

The Manipur DGP demanded people involved in snatching of arms and ammunitions from vulnerable police stations during the violence outbreak in certain parts of the State to return the weapons in two days, warning strict action against those involved.

The police chief further said that 23 vulnerable police stations were identified in the State — additional security has been provided, he added.

According to sources, several arms were recovered by Imphal West police in Chingmeirong and other valley areas on Friday.

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Mob and violent protesters from both the Kuki tribals and Meitei/Meetei community searching for guns during the flare-up on May 3 in the epicenter of violence-hit Churachandpur, Bishnupur and adjoining areas, including Imphal East and Imphal West areas were reported.

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Regarding the Suspension of Operation (SoO) cadres taking part in the “Tribal Solidarity March” organised under the aegis of All Tribal Students’ Union Manipur across the hill districts on May 3, DGP P Doungel said investigation is underway. It may be mentioned that footage of armed militants, alleged to be SoO cadres were seen along with the public on the day of mass rally.

On the other hand, as the central government is closely monitoring the situation in Manipur, additional central forces, anti-riot vehicles reached Manipur to assist state machinery in restoring normalcy after days of violence, according to PTI.

It may be mentioned that Union Home Minister, Amit Shah on Thursday held two video conference meetings with Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh and with neighboring State Chief Ministers of Assam and Mizoram.

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