Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Thursday said that the government understands the challenges and sacrifices being made by the Manipur Police in the prevailing situation in the state. He highlighted that there were no personnel who have not taken extra duty since the turmoil began in Manipur on 3rd May 2023.
Speaking as the Chief Guest of the 132nd Manipur Police Raising Day at the 1st Manipur Rifles Parade ground in Imphal, N Biren Singh assures that the State Government has been putting efforts to maintain quality and transparency in supplying uniforms or ration to the State Police, CMO stated. “We cannot forget the role played by the State Police during the initial stage of the turmoil in moving families affected by the violence to shelter or relief camps,” Singh said.
He also asserted that there was no place for ethnic belongingness in the force. “One may be a Meitei, Pangal, Kuki or 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 stated. Stressing further on the role of the police, he said that when the police fail to discharge their duties properly, lawbreakers take advantage.
Singh extended his condolences to the 11 personnel including eight personnel of the Manipur Police, one from Assam Rifles and two from BSF who sacrificed their lives to protect lives, property and unity in the ongoing violence.
On the issue of drug abuse, 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. He further appealed to each and every personnel to put their full efforts to uproot the drug menace from the society. He said surveys are being conducted to identify poppy plantations at different locations even using drones and UAVs.
On the occasion the Manipur CM announced that a Women’s Police Battalion will be set up soon and that Ration Money allowance for Police personnel will be enhanced by Rs. 500 each.
At the event, the CM 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.
