IMPHAL, August 11: Extreme security measures have been taken up in and around Imphal in the wake of the joint boycott call of “Independence Day” celebration by various militant organizations operating in the state and the region.
Talking to IFP, Senior Superintendent of Police, DIG, L. Kailun, said that the district police is taking all precautionary measures to ensure a peaceful Independence Day celebration in the state.
He said that security measures in the state capital have already been beeped up, with frisking and checking duties at specific locations intensifying to detect movement of any anti-social activists and militants, who could disrupt the celebration.
He also added that conduct of counter insurgency operations like cordoning and search operations have also been intensified at various locations of the state capital which will continue until the Independence Day celebration is over.
To further strengthen the security arrangement, security personnel including Assam Rifles personnel, para military forces like BSF, CRPF will be deployed at all strategic points in the run up to the Independence Day celebration and added that intensive manpower deployment will begin from August 13 till August 15 evening.
The SSP has also requested the public to be more vigilant and alert to their surroundings. Furthermore, he has also appealed to the general public not to touch any unclaimed objects and to immediately inform the police in case of detecting any suspicious things or objects.
The Independence Day celebration in state will be observed at the 1st Manipur Rifles Battalion ground starting 9:30 am in the morning. The Chief Minister of Manipur, O. Ibobi Singh, will hoist the National flag during the celebration commemorating the nations’ 65th Independence Day on August 15.
The Chief Minister, who will be attending as the chief guest during the celebration, will give a guard of honour salute to a contingent comprising of state and central security forces.