Despite the official claim of “improved“ law and order situation in Manipur, the Chief Minister N. Biren told reporters that he had demanded 20 more companies of the Central security forces to cope with the increasing incidents of violence. Mr. Biren said these additional forces are for deployment in adjoining areas of the hill and valley districts.
On the other hand, All Manipur Working Journalists Union, Hill Journalists Union and Editor’s Guild Manipur have set a deadline of 48 hours which ends on Wednesday to suspend the personnel of Jat Regiment who allegedly beat up some reporters who rushed to New Checkon area to cover the incident of threatening women vendors and shop keepers at gun point on Monday. The gun men were led by one ex-MLA. In retaliation, some unidentified persons burned down four houses. Police said the former MLA and two gunmen had been arrested.
Mr. Biren who also holds Home portfolio said: “The incident is very unfortunate. The security advisor, Kuldiep Singh was instructed to ensure that it does not repeat.” Mr. Biren also said that there was a mischievous report that two persons were killed in the incident. There is no basis and people are requested to verify such reports.
