SoO with State soon
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 31:
Even though the SPF Cabinet did not discuss the arrest of a LeT operative from Manipur at Jammu yesterday, it nevertheless discussed in depth the law and order situation prevailing in the State during a meeting chaired by Chief Minister O Ibobi.
It is also clear that the arrest of 15 foreigners at Moreh some days back did not figure in the Cabinet meeting today.
However though these pressing matters were ostensibly set aside, the Cabinet did discuss the issue of Suspension of Operations with some Kuki underground organisations.
A spokesman of the SPF Government is however yet to be appointed formally, a reliable source informed the press after the Cabinet meeting that the State Government has decided to go ahead with the Suspension of Operations with some Kuki underground organisations.
Significantly after the Central security force inked the SoO agreement with the Kuki groups, the ground rules for the same were sent to the State Government by the Union Home Ministry.
On receiving the same the State Government had amended the same and sent it to the Centre for due appraisal.
The Centre after studying the same had sent a reply with some minor modifications.
The source said that after the modified version was received, the Cabinet accepted it and after a few alteration here there and there, has prepared a report.
The same will be sent to the Centre, soon, said the source.
The words of congratulations from the Prime Minister of India to Chief Minister O Ibobi was also acknowledged during the meeting.
Despite the agreement reached on SoO, it is yet to be decided whether the talks will be held at the political level or not.
As of now an IPS officer of the rank of an Addl DGP (Most likely to be Shahid Ahmed) will represent the Government.
To a query on whether a Ministerial team will be constituted to hold the talk the source replied that it is yet to be decided.
The Cabinet also discussed the Police Action Plan which has been on the agenda for long.
According to this Plan, the areas lying within Imphal Municipality zone will be clubbed as Zone-I, Areas outside the IMC zone but within Imphal has been designated at Zone II, valley districts as Zone III and the Hill districts as Zone IV.
To put a further check on the movements of militants within the high security Babupara area, all Ministers and MLAs will be required to maintain a register on their visitors, those staying at their residences etc..
The Cabinet also discussed the issue of modernising the State police force, said the source and added that the Centre has asked the State Government to wait for one week to its proposal to raise the 7 IRB as well as civil police with a combined strength of 2700 personnel.
Delhi has also given the nod the procure vehicles for police modernisation drive.