Manipur CM announces Women’s Police Battalion, says people did not forget role played by cops in initial days of violence

He said the role of the state police is not limited only to maintaining law and order but also to proving themselves in the field of sports and other works like assistance in civic works in the state.

Attended the 132nd Manipur Police Raising Day, a day that marks the remarkable journey of our police force at the 1st MR Parade Ground.

Today, we celebrate the commitment of our police personnel who work tirelessly to maintain law and order, combat crime, and promote a sense of… pic.twitter.com/u4cY2zff2N

— N.Biren Singh (@NBirenSingh) October 19, 2023

“The government understands the challenges and sacrifices of the police,” he said, adding, “There are no personnel or officers in the state police who have not taken extra duty in the past five months.”

Singh also said that the government has been putting efforts to maintain quality and transparency in supplying uniforms or ration to the state police personnel. He further announced that the Ration Money allowance for the personnel will be increased by Rs 500 each.

Singh added that the people cannot forget the role played by the police in the initial stage of the Manipur violence in moving the affected families to shelter or relief camps.

He extended his condolences to the 11 personnel, including the eight personnel of the Manipur Police, one from Assam Rifles and two from BSF, who sacrificed their lives to protect lives, property and unity amid the violence which began on May 3. “Manipur salutes and pays respect to the brave souls for their sacrifices,” he added.

“When we enter the state force or services, we should consider everyone as Indians or Manipuris. One may be a Meitei, Pangal, Kuki or a 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,” Singh added.

The CM said 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 the hill and the valley districts.

He also appealed to those who are still in illegal possession of arms and weapons to return them to the state government. He added that no case or FIR will be filed against those who voluntarily surrender their illegal weapons.

The Chief Minister 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 the present and future generations”.

He further appealed to every personnel to put in their full efforts to uproot drug menace from society. He said, “Surveys are being conducted to identify poppy plantations at different locations, even with drones and UAVs.”

Singh thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and other central leaders for closely monitoring Manipur.

The CM 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 ensure a stronger economy in the state.

The Manipur Police Raising Day celebration was marked by Nishan Toli and March Past comprising 13 contingents, a motorcycle display by the personnel of the state police. Singh also released a souvenir — Sportstars — on the occasion.