CS applies balm, pull out of State SF starts
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 09 2010: Chief Secretary DS Poonia has assured the representatives of Mao Council that State security forces currently deployed at Mao Gate in connection with the visit of NSCN (IM) General Secretary Th Muivah would be withdrawn on phase-wise basis.

Muivah is still putting up at Viswema village, 17 kms from Mao.

Even as the Chief Secretary assured the gradual pull out of State security forces from Mao, trainee Manipur police and 8th MR personnel deployed at Mao Gate have been withdrawn today.

The State security team comprising of 3rd IRB, 5th IRB, 6th IRB, 7th MR led by Thoubal Senior SP Clay Khongsai and deployed at Jessami have also reached Imphal today.

Womenfolk staging a dharna at Senaapti to denounce the May 6 incident at Mao as well as the decision to bar Th Muivah's entry

DS Poonia also promised to provide necessary compensations to the families of the two deceased youths and those who were injured in the incident of May 6 .

The assurances were made by the Chief Secretary during his visit to Tadubi today at 10 am.

He was accompanied by 57 Mountain Division GOC Maj Gen DS Hooda during his visit.

The Chief Secretary held an hour-long meeting with the representatives of Mao Council and tribal leaders on the prevailing situation at Mao Gate after he landed at Tadubi at around 10 am in a helicopter.

DS Poonia also urged the Mao leaders to claim the two corpses lying at Mao police station in the meeting which was also attended by Senapati DC Nidhi Kesarwani and other officials.

The Chief Secretary directed the DC to prepare a complete report of the persons affected during the May 6 incident so that necessary compensations can be provided.

Mao Council President O Lohrii however made it clear that Naga Hoho would decide whether to claim the corpses or not at this point of time.

He also demanded the withdrawal of all State security forces from Mao Gate, institution of Judicial inquiry into the May 6 incident and providing free passage to Th Muivah to visit his birthplace Somdal.

Until and unless these demands are fulfilled, no compensation would be accepted, the President said.

Meanwhile, unidentified persons burnt down SDO offices at Phungyar, Kamjong, Kasom Khullen and Chingai of Ukhrul district at around 1:30 am this morning.