Imphal, December 23: In the backdrop of Indian army successfully driving out underground activists from atleast six villages of Khengjoi Range, the State Government has set into motion relevant processes for restoration of civil administration in Khengjoi and nearby villages.

According to a reliable source, a top level meeting chaired by the Chief Secretary Jarnail Singh was held today wherein official measures to revive Government machinery was discussed in depth following intimation from Army authorities that substantial portion of Khengjoi Range had been sanitised from UG domination.

The meeting itself was hurriedly convened after the Army authorities insisted on re-establishing Government machinery with particular emphasis on setting up offices and police station apart from development of roads and restoration of power and water supply, the source maintained.

Among others, Additional Chief Secretary and PHED in-charge Saichuana, Commissioner (Revenue) P Sharatchandra and officials of Power and Works Departments were present at the meeting that culminated with a decision to expedite necessary process for provision of electricity and potable water facilities in Moltuk, Khangbarol, Hengshi, Sehlon, Khengjoi and Sehao villages as soon as possible.

Intimation from the Army authorities to establish road connectivity till Khengjoi village at the earliest also figured prominently during the meeting, said the source while adding that opening of an SDO office was given top priority at the meeting.

Meanwhile, Army authorities contended that UG cadres fired three shells of 81 mm mortar towards its position at Khengjoi village this morning.

Quoting Army sources, the officiating PRO of the Assam Rifles conveyed to the press that UNLF cadres were behind the shelling launched from their hideout.

All the mortar shells fell short of the intended target thereby causing no damage or casualty to the security forces.

The Ugs had been abortively attempting to shell the Army post since December 21 night, the PRO said and claimed that one such attack launched yesterday morning damaged a house.

Khengjoi Range under Tengnoupal sub-division of Chandel district had been in the news for the last many days after clashes broke out between the advancing security forces and cadres of the UNLF with both claiming of inflicting casualties on either side.

While many villagers returned to their homes after fleeing to Moreh and Sugnu to avoid being caught in cross fire, Army officials had been reportedly preventing entry into some villages as explosive devices are yet to be cleared.

It is pertinent to mention that security forces had launched an intense operation to flush out armed activists from Khengjoi in the past few days which is reportedly continuing.

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