Imphal, July 22: Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh has announced that State police forces would be equipped with digital trunking system to prevent interception of messages by underground elements.

The CM made the announcement while clarifying on opposition allegations at the assembly session on matters pertaining affairs of Home.

Other Home affair issues unanimously passed at the session by both the opposition and treasury bench includes police, vigilance, fire protection and control, jails, home guard and rehabilitation amounting to Rs 148,41,53,000.For the first time in Manipur and third in the country besides Delhi and Karnataka the digital trunking system will be provided to State police force as part of the police modernization programme.

The GM stated that requisite materials for the system would arrive within August month and its implementation likely to take place in September or October.

He also reiterated that non provision of wireless sets and arms at remote hill districts of the State is due to inadequate manpower deployment.

The CM, also holding charge of Home, asserting that State Government is making all out effort to effectively curb activities of militant organizations further declared that Govt of India has provided 700 bullet proof vests, 15 gypsies and 150 number of SLRs.

Stating that favourable condition is round the comer for a permanent solution to the insurgency problem besetting the State, Ibobi exuded confidence that positive gesture Would be accorded by the underground organization/s to invitation for talks.

Govt of India has also been pressed to initiate steps for inviting the UG for settlement of the problems, he said.

To bring the surrendered militants to the mainstream efforts are being made to provide jobs at Home Department and process underway to vacate ban order on recruitment of fourth IRB battalion, said the CM.

Attributing financial constraints to inability of increasing ration money of Manipur Rifles and State police personnel from Rs 500 to 550, he further stated that Government is giving optimum emphasis to fill vacant posts of some higher ranked police officials.

He further claimed that efforts are on to retrench personnel of Home Guards exceeding the stipulated strength of 2000 while at the same time increasing valid personnel's monthly salary is under study.

State Government will also take action against 96 officials recommended by State Vigilance when prima evidences are ascertained, he said adding that for promotion of Sub Inspectors to Inspector ranks within the zone of consideration a list of 23 persons have been submitted to the MPSC for necessary initiation while Govt has recommended a police personnel for promotion in recognition of outstanding service rendered.

The CM mentioned that statement of those arrested in connection with the killing of contractor Laishram Iboyaima will be tabled tomorrow.

During the discussion Opposition members Dr Nimaichand Luwang, O Joy, L Ibomcha, I Hemochandra and M Nilachandra highlighted policies and token cuts expressing concern at increasing trend of gun culture and demanded that State intelligence network be strengthened to face the challenges.

The opposition members also desired that ceasefire should be announced to create a congenial atmosphere for talks with the underground groups and even depute an all political party delegation to New Delhi to pressure central Government for inviting the UG outfits.

They further demanded that what activities has the Unified Command taken so far to check disruptive elements in the State.

They also mulled streamlining of police and vigilance department and establishing healthy relations with the public to promulgate a friendly atmosphere in solving various issues.