Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Monday ordered the state forces to conduct a combing operation with the help of the Army and paramilitary forces to nab the miscreants involved in the looting of vehicles at Keimai and burning down of a freight truck at Awang Khul. Sending a stern message that the government won't tolerate anti-social elements, Singh said, "The government will not spare those involved in such illegal activities, and strong action would be taken against them." The CM's warning comes a day after miscreants set on fire a freight truck along National Highway 37 connecting Manipur with Assam. The truck was set on fire at Awang Khul under the jurisdiction of Noney police station. It has been speculated that the motive behind the arson could be related to an extortion threat. On September 26, armed miscreants also allegedly looted freight trucks along the same highway near Kemai area under Khoupum police station. The government has always been reluctant in exercising force. However, it was now compelled to use security forces at areas where unlawful activities were taking place, Singh said. “It is the responsibility of the government to provide safe passage to transporters and travelers,” he said. Responding to queries on the proposal of the government to form a Highway Protection Force, the CM said the Centre had granted permission to raise two IRB Battalions in Manipur and necessary procedures to begin the recruitment process had already started. A recruitment committee has already been formed and completion would take hardly two-three months, he added.
