Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 08 2009:
In order to quell ongoing public movement in the aftermath of the July 23 firing by police commandos at BT Road and to ensure the forthcoming Independence Day celebration pass off without any hitch deployment of Border Security Force personnel in pockets of the capital city have begun from today.
Deployment of BSF contingents is on top of State and additional Central security forces being pressed into service ever since agitations broke out after the Tehelka news magazine flashed photographs of police commandos surrounding one Ch Sanjit Singh before the same individual was claimed to have been shot dead in encounter.
Information received by the press, confirmed deployment of six section each of the BSF at Imphal East and West district areas with immediate effect.
As a part of the security measure, mobilisation of BSF troops at Khurai Lamlong Bazar area could be seen as public agitation in denunciation of the BT road incident had been comparatively more intense in Khurai side, which is also the birthplace of the deceased Ch Sanjit.
Along with Sanjit, another pregnant woman namely Th Rabina Devi was also killed on July 23 besides five persons suffering injuries.
apart from the prevailing law and order situation in the State as a consequence of the BT Road incident, deployment of BSF troops is said to be part of the pre-emptive steps to ensure smooth conduct of the Independence Day celebration in the State.
The BSF troops will assist Manipur Rifles and IRB personnel, said a police source.
Mention may be made that for the past many years, insurgent outfits operating in the NE region had been boycotting India's Independence Day celebration on August 15.Speaking on condition of anonymity, a BSF source suggested that on intimation from the State's Police Dept BSF troops might have been deployed.