Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, April 18:
Having culled information that a number of Government officials have been going outside the State to meet underground leaders to settle monetary demands, the State Government has issued a strong instruction to the Director General of Police (DGP) to keep a close tab on movement of these officials.
An informed source disclosed to The Sangai Express that the State Government has received confirmed reports that some officials visited places like Guwahati, Bangalore, Kolkota, Dimapur etc to negotiate with militants to settle matters mostly centering around extortion notice served on the departments concerned.
Stating that in some instances such Government officials are held and kept in the custody of the militants after they meet them, the source informed that on most occasions the officials do not obtain the necessary approval from their higher-ups.
Detailing the matter, the source recalled that a standing order restricting/prohibiting movement of Government officials outside the State without proper approval from the Heads of Departments and Minister concerned or even the Chief Minister was issued some time back.
Further exposing the contacts between the officials and UG groups, the source said that there was a recent report regarding three officials of the Agriculture Department who had gone to Guwahati with the obvious reason of settling monetary demands slapped against the said Department by armed outfit/s.As pre-emptive measures to foil UG groups from draining the State's exchequer, the Government has issued an order advising the DGP to initiate action against 'all such officials' who go and meet members of banned organisations for negotiation regarding payment of funds.
Observing that since activities of the officials/employees are anti-National and liable for action or detention under the National Security Act for siphoning off Government fund to armed outfits, the source reiterated that the police chief has been asked to keep a close surveillance at the airport and on land routes from Imphal to outside Manipur.
Cautioning that there will be no leniency in case officials are confirmed of contacting militants, the source informed that administrative secretaries and Heads of Departments have been firmly instructed to ensure that their respective employees/officials do not leave their place of postings without prior and proper approval.
Even though permission is granted to any employee for moving outside Manipur, the Head of Department concerned has been asked to notify such movement to the higher ups, including Minister concerned or the Chief Minister, added the source.
On the other hand, the DGP has been asked to keep a close watch at the airport and important locations in order to keep a tab on activities of officials leaving the State to establish contacts with underground leaders, which anti-National.