Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 24 2009:
In the backdrop of the Republic Day boycott as well as general strike called by different underground organisations in Manipur and the North East, security has been beefed up at Imphal to ensure smooth conduct of the celebrations of the day.
A top ranking police officer said that the police, Manipur Rifles (MR) and Indian Reserved Battalion (IRB) are manning the core areas while the Central para military forces are being kept on sharp vigil in Greater Imphal to ensure security on Republic Day.
In order to pre-empt any untoward incident on Republic Day, security has been beefed up all over, said the police officer.
Other than those who have taken leave all State personnel have been summoned for duty, added the police officer.
Other than carrying out friskings, checkings and combing operations at strategic areas, more mobile check posts have set up across Imphal, he said.
The MPLF, an umbrella body of the UNLF, PREPAK and RPF had urged the people not to venture out during the general strike and to suspend all form of entertainment and business activities.
This is not the first time that underground organisations have imposed a general strike or called for a boycott of Republic Day prompting the people to stay indoors.