Imphal: The Manipur Police on Thursday observed the 132nd Manipur Police Raising Day, and on the occasion Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh announced “no case or FIR will be taken up against those who voluntarily surrenders their illegal weapons which was looted from different police stations, outposts and armory during the early days of the violence”.

Biren Singh, while attending the celebration at the 1st Manipur Rifles Parade ground in Imphal, he also 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.

The Manipur CM also 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 present turmoil which began on May 3. “Manipur salutes and pays respect to the brave souls for their sacrifices”, he said.

Acknowledging the role of the State Police in not only maintaining law and order, but also in the field of sports and other works like assistance in civic works in the State, he said “the government understands the challenges and sacrifices of the State Police. There are no personnel or officers in the State Police who have not taken extra duty during the past five or so months. The government has been putting efforts to maintain quality and transparency in supplying uniforms or ration to the State Police”.

The CM also said that 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.

 “When we enter the State Force or services, we should consider everyone as Indians or Manipuris. 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”, said Biren. He also added that when the police fail to discharge their duties properly, law breakers take advantage.

Regarding the arms and ammunition looted from the State Police, he said that some have been returned, and many have been recovered during combing operations conducted by combined teams in both hills and valley districts. Saying that many have voluntarily returned weapons while expressing their confidence in the police and security forces, he further appealed to those who have possession of illegal arms and weapons to return those to the State government.

Highlighting that the issue of drug abuse is worrying and the War on Drugs campaign is not against any individual or community, but to safeguard and protect the present and future generations, the Manipur CM appealed to each and every personnel to put their full efforts to uproot the drug menace from the society. He also informed that surveys are being conducted to identify poppy plantations at different locations even using drones and UAVs.

The Manipur CM also lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and other central leaders for their support and cooperation in trying to bring peace in the state.

He 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 strengthen the State’s economy.

On the issues of drivers being threatened along the highways, extortions including in valley districts, threatening public, business persons, companies, Biren warned of counter measures from the State commandos to curb such unwanted incidents.

Manipur DGP Rajiv Singh, briefly highlighted the history of the Manipur Police and said 132 year is an important milestone in the history of any institution. “Following the Battle of Khongjom in 1891, the British for the first time organized the State Military Police of Manipur, the forerunner of the Manipur Rifles. On 22nd October 1948, the State Manipur Police was renamed as "Manipur Rifles”, he said.

The DGP also spoke on the efforts taken up by the police with support from the CAPF, Army during the violence which started on May 3, and said the State Police with the support of CAPF and other Security forces have responded immediately and heavily engaged in controlling the violence with priority on saving lives and property in the affected districts.

During the observation, the Chief Minister 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.

Other main highlights of the observation were the Nishan Toli and March Past comprising 13 contingents. The Manipur Police Sports Club also showcased a skill show followed by a motorcycle display by personnel of the State Police. The Chief Minister also released a souvenir “Sportstars” as part of the observation.

The observation was also attended by Manipur State Assembly Speaker, Ministers, MLAs, MP, Chief Secretary and Security Advisor, civil and police senior officials of Central Armed Police Forces, para-military, Army and others.