288 Coys of Central forces deployed in State: Kuldiep ‘Further probe needed to verify if SoO outfits involved in Jiri carnage’

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Nov 22: Kuldiep Singh, Security Advisor to the Government of Manipur has stated that 288 companies of Central security forces have been deployed in Manipur to protect lives and properties of citizens.
The Security Advisor added that it would need further investigation to establish if the armed Kuki militants responsible for the Jiribam carnage belong to outfits under the Suspension of Operation pact.
A security review meeting was held today for around two hours in the conference hall of Secretariat South Block today. Significantly Chief Minister N Biren was not present at the high level security meeting.
Speaking to media persons after the meeting, Kuldiep Singh said that the security review meeting was attended by high ranking officers of Manipur Police, Army, Assam Rifles, BSF, CRPF, SSB and ITBP, and it discussed the State’s pressing issues.
In addition to the 198 companies of CAPF already       deployed in the State, 20 more companies reached Manipur recently while 70 other companies would be arriving soon, Kuldiep Singh said.
He said that the Government has been working to protect lives and properties of citizens in Manipur by deploying 288 companies of CAPF.
Activities of the District Coordination Cell and the Joint Control Room were also reviewed during the meeting.
The Security Advisor said that an SOP has been framed for security forces who would be deployed on National Highways and fringe areas.
Issues of different districts were also discussed with Deputy Commissioners and Superintendents of Police, he said.
He also informed that mortal remains of the nine people killed at Jiribam recently were put to rest today amid tight security arrangements.
On being asked if the Chief Minister was not present at today’s security review meeting, Kuldiep Singh said that such meetings had been held many times in the past.
Nonetheless, what transpired at the meeting would be informed to the Chief Minister, he added.
To another query, Kuldiep Singh said that 32 people involved in storming the residences of MLAs and Ministers have been arrested and investigation is going on.    
The death toll of the Manipur crisis has reached 258 so far. Out of all the weapons looted from police stations and State armouries, around 3000 have been recovered, the Security Advisor said.
To another query, Kuldiep Singh said that it needs investigation to ascertain whether militants under SoO agreement were involved in the Jiribam carnage but this investigation will take time.