132nd Manipur Police Raising Day observed, ration money hiked by Rs 500 CM assures women police battalion

IMPHAL, Oct 19 (DIPR)
On the occasion of the 132nd Manipur Police Raising Day, Chief Minister N Biren Singh today announced that a women’s police battalion will be set up soon and ration money allowance for police personnel will be enhanced by Rs 500.
The 132nd Manipur Police Raising Day was observed at the 1st Manipur Rifles Parade Ground with Chief Minister N Biren attending the observance as the chief guest.
The Chief Minister extended his condolences to bereaved families of 11 personnel including eight personnel of the Manipur Police, one of Assam Rifles and two of BSF who sacrificed their lives in protecting properties and lives of people, and Manipur's unity in the present turmoil which began on May 3.
He said Manipur salutes and pays respect to the brave souls for their sacrifices.
The Chief Minister also claimed that 90 per cent peace has been achieved.
"There are some elements who do not want to restore peace. But generally, almost 90 per cent peace has come and I think with the support of the people and masses, peace will be restored soon," said Biren.
Speaking at the sidelines of the function and replying to a query about whether State security forces were blocked from entering the border town of Moreh, the Chief Minister said, "Forces have already entered. Already India Reserve Battalion (IRB) forces are there, all the personnel have arrived there and performing their duties, commandos are also there."
On demands for arrangements for displaced people to begin a new livelihood through Government-sponsored schemes, the Chief Minister said the Government will provide Rs 10 lakh for destroyed 'pucca' houses and Rs 5 lakh for 'kutcha' houses which have been destroyed. But regarding startups, there are many schemes under the CM Support Scheme, like 'One Family, One Livelihood'.
"Each and every distressed family will be covered under One Family, One Livelihood, which can be increased to Rs 10 lakh. So that will definitely be provided by the Government," the Chief Minister said.
Manipur Police has a total strength of around 42,000 personnel. The ration money allowance for all personnel will be enhanced by Rs 500, he said.
The Chief Minister acknowledged the importance and role of the State Police in maintaining law and order, and their civic works and acknowledged the challenges and sacrifices of the State Police.
There are no personnel or officers in the State Police who have not taken extra duty during the past five months, he said.
"We cannot forget the role played by the State Police, MR, IRB and VDF during the initial stage of the turmoil in moving families affected by the violence to shelter or relief camps," he said.
“A person may be a Meitei, Pangal, Kuki or Naga but once we don the police uniform, we should consider everyone to be the same. Lawbreakers take advantage when police fail to discharge their duties properly. Priority should be to maintain law and order and to protect lives and property,” N Biren said.
The CM said that some of the arms and ammunition looted from the police armouries have been returned, and many have been recovered during combing operations conducted by combined teams from districts in both the hills and the valley.
Expressing their confidence in the police and security forces, many have voluntarily returned weapons, he said, appealing to those who are in possession of illegal arms and weapons to return them to the State Government.
No case or FIR will be registered against persons who surrender weapons voluntarily, said the Chief Minister.
On the issue of drugs, N Biren Singh said the War on Drugs campaign is not against any individual or community, but to safeguard and protect the present and future generations of Manipur. He appealed to all personnel to put in sincere efforts to uproot the drug menace from the society.
The CM stressed that surveys are being conducted to identify poppy plantations at different locations using drones/UAVs.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and other Central leaders are monitoring the situation in Manipur closely, he said and lauded the Central Ministries for their support and cooperation.
He further appealed to groups blocking the National Highways to ensure free movement of vehicles and allow essential commodities to reach all corners of the State including Churachandpur and Moreh.
There have been reports of persons/groups threatening drivers on the Highways and extorting money. There have also been reports of business persons, companies and public being threatened in the valley districts. Such activities should be stopped at once, he said, warning of  counter measures from the State commandos.
The CM wished all ranks and files of the State Police and the people of the State on the 132nd Raising Day of the Manipur Police.
DGP Rajiv Singh, briefly highlighted the history of the Manipur Police and said 132nd year 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 as Manipur Rifles, he said.
The DGP also spoke on the efforts taken up by the police with support from the CAPF, Army during the violence which started on May 3, and said that 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.
Rajiv 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 Devi of Lilong police station, Thoubal district won the Best Police Officer 2023.
Other main highlights of the observation 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” as part of the observation.
The observance was attended by State Assembly Speaker Thokchom Satyabrata Singh, Ministers Thongam Biswajit Singh, Yumnam Khemchand Singh, Konthoujam Govindas Singh, Awangbow Newmai, Dr Sapam Ranjan Singh, Leishangthem Susindro Meitei, Heikham Dingo Sigh, Thounaojam Basanta Kumar Singh, Khashim Vashum, MP Rajya Sabha Leishemba Sanajaoba, MLAs, Chief Secretary Dr Vineet Joshi, Security Advisor Kuldiep Singh, civil and police senior officials of Central Armed Police Forces, paramilitary, Army and others.