Imphal, Jun 17: In what could be termed as a huge fillip to job starved youths of the region Director General of Assam Rifles Lt General Bhopinder Singh has announced that 55 percent of the whole recruitment quota in the para-military force would be reserved for candidates from the north eastern States.

Conveying that the initiatives would be translated into action within a short notice, the DG said while addressing a huge gathering of AR troops at the premises of Inspector General of AR (South) at Mantripukhri here marking his farewell function.

Out of 55 percent job quota, 15 percent would comprise of youths belonging to the hill tribes of the region, Singh said while pointing out that the new scheme would at least help in mitigating unemployment problem in the region.

Lauding the troops for displaying their courage, sincerity, dedication, field craft and professional competence while discharging their duties particularly in combating insurgency, he exhorted them to keep it up so as to bring more reputation of the para-military force.

Expressing remorse on suicide cases cropping up within the force, the Lt Gen Bhopinder exhorted the troops not to loose hearts.

To give more benefits to the troops he also informed of opening Key Location Plan (KLP) units where each unit would consist of hospital, school, hostel etc for which financial requirement would be borne and already sanctioned by the centre.

Since the IG AR (south) has been set up in Manipur the administrative structure of the AR has also been strengthened, he said.

He also asked the personnel to be more aware on the HIV and AIDS.

Later chatting with reporters the DG said the biggest AR achievement in the recent time is the passing of the Assam Rifles' bill in the parliament giving the force certain provisions (benefit) at par with the army.

Responding to a query, Singh said he could not comment on the court of inquiry set up to probe into Thangjam Manorama case and the alleged fake surrender case.

Since the matter are yet to be disposed off "it would be subjudice to comment on it," he said.

The court of inquiry conducted by the AR to inquire into the alleged murder of Manorama Devi in July 2004 by AR troops is incorporated with the case now pending in the civil court, he endorsed.

On the alleged fake surrender case Singh quipped "We honour the verdicts passed by the high court and the case is also still pending for which I cannot comment".

Besides a number of jawans, the farewell function was attended by all ranks of the AR including IG AR South Maj Gen BS Ghotra and 9 Sector Commander Brig PK Kayastha.

The AR DG also called on the chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh this afternoon.

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