Imphal, Sep 19: While listing major successes of the Army in carrying out counter-insurgency operations in the State, GOC of 57 Mountain Division Maj Gen EJ Kochekkan conceded that situation in Manipur is of a complex nature.

Sharing his opinion and experience on tackling the insurgency problem in the North East region in general and Manipur in particular at Leimakhong Army headquarters today, the GOC went to the extent of commenting that the prevailing scenario in Manipur is rather more critical than that of Kashmir.

Some scribes from Kolkata were also present at the GOC's briefing.

Because of conflicting interests of over 30 militant groups operating in the State, the Army is somewhat facing a tougher challenge to combat them operationally, observed the Major General.

He also stated that unlike militancy problem in Jammu and Kashmir wherein the movement is supported and influenced from across the border the underground issue besieging Manipur had emanated from within the State thereby requiring the operational task an altogether different approach.

Another problem in tackling the situation is the non-completion of prosecuting arrested militant cadres by the civil Court apparently owing to lack of witnesses, he said and observed that such legal hurdles had been exploited in securing freedom of the arrested militants from custody.

Major General Kochekkan, nevertheless affirmed that Army had been able to dampen the spirit spirit of many UG groups in Manipur as almost all their major operating areas and bases have been cleared which is reflected by consequent restoration of civil administration in the interior locations.

Explaining on the Army successes, he cited successful anti-insurgency operations conducted at Karang in Bishnupur district, Bekra areas bordering Assam, Parbung in CCpur district and in some parts of Chandel district bordering Myanmar.

The GOC also informed that road improvement works along the NH-150 connecting Imphal and Aizawl via Tipaimukh in CCpur is progressing at a favourable pace as the route has been freed from over 10 years of militants' control.

As many as 331 IEDs planted by militants in south CCpur particularly in Parbung and surrounding areas have been cleared by the Army even as large number of Hmar refugees from Tipaimukh area who fled their homesteads due to militancy have now returned back home after an Army post was set up at Lung-thulien, he added.

On activities of the Army under its civic action programme, Kochekkan said various infrastructure development had been undertaken across the State and listed establishing a model village at Singnat in CCpur at of Rs 2,78,50,000, Sports Complex at Loktak Lake in Moirang (Rs 1,73,00,000) and the Youth Centre at Kangpokpi (Rs 1,02,00,000) he said.

Reciprocating query from the media persons, the officer said the Army is firmly adhering to the rules and guidelines prescribed by the Supreme Court and there is no question of misusing provisions of AFSPA.

He also said "we strictly deal according to law against any personnel who goes beyond the line of duty".

In a terse response to movement for repealing the Act, he quipped, "It is up to the civil authorities to deal with the matter.

We only act here as demanded by them".

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