Security on red alert ahead of President's visit
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, April 12 2013 : Even as a meeting of the State Cabinet today reviewed the preparations being made in connection with the maiden visit of Pranab Mukherjee, the President of India, to Imphal on April 15, security measures have been stepped up and combing operations are being conducted at different places during the last couple of days.

In continuation, a combing operation was conducted under the leadership of DSP Dr Ibomcha of City Police in Chingmeirong area today.

The combing operation started around 7 am and carried on till 8:30 am.

The police team also searched all the rented houses in Adim Jati Yengkhoiba Keithel area.

However, no suspects were arrested.

The same team conducted another combing operation in Governor Road area at Paona Bazaar around 10 am today.

Around 400 suspects were detained for verification out of which 45 of them were released soon after.

The remaining suspects were also released after proper interrogation.

Police verifying local residents during combing operations ahead of the visit of President of India; a road stretch at Imphal getting a facelift

In the combing operation conducted at Chingmeirong Maning Leikai area yesterday under the joint leadership of Krishnatombi, DSP, Imphal West District Police and DSP Dr Ibomcha of City Police, around 500 people in the age group of 15 to 50 years were called out from their respective houses and made to assemble at Sinam Shyama Devi Community Hall for verification.

During the operation, 40 of them were detained and taken to Lamphel Police Station for further interrogations.

But they were released in the evening.

As part of the security measures being taken up, all concerned have been asked to remove or stop dumping of sand and other construction materials along the roadside from Airport to Chingmeirong.

Vehicle and mechanic workshops along this route have also been told not to spread their wares.

Meanwhile, a meeting of the State chaired by Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh today has discussed 13 different agenda, including the scheduled visit of President of India Pranab Mukherjee to Imphal on April 15 .

Talking to mediapersons after the meeting, Education Minister M Okendro, who is also the spokesperson of the Government, informed that today's Cabinet meeting reviewed the preparations being made in connection with the forthcoming visit of President of India and decided to ensure all the preparations completed in time.

Accordingly, necessary instructions have also been giving to the officials concerned.

Among other agenda taken up for discussion, the Cabinet has recommended prorogation of the fourth session of the 10th Manipur Legislative Assembly and finalization of the draft Industrial and Investment Policy of Manipur, 2013, the Minister said.

Furthermore, the Cabinet has recommended recruitment of seven staff members, including Project Officer of Labour and Employment Department to fully implement the Rastriya Swasthya Bima Yojana under National Health Insurance Scheme and to provide the benefit to the Smart Card Holders in proper manner, Government spokesperson informed, adding that four private hospitals namely Shija Hospitals and Research Institute, Raj Polyclinic, Langol View and Charitable Hospital and Sky Hospital, have been selected where the Smart Card Holders may avail the benefit of the scheme.

The Cabinet meeting has also approved to extend the permissible age limit of recruitment to Manipur Forest Service from 21 to 30 as per the Manipur Forest Service Rule, 1986, he added.

The Cabinet further approved appointment of Thangjam Ritarani Devi, wife of late Thokchom Kiran of Thongju Part II, Koirou Mamang Leikai to the post of a grade-IV in Manipur Government's Education Department.

After a prolonged discussion, today's Cabinet meeting has also given nod to amendment in the Manipur Finance Services Rules, 1985, the Government spokesperson added.