Imphal, June 21: Union Home Ministry has agreed in principle to the proposal of the State Government for setting up two more Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB) in the State, disclosed a reliable source.

It may be noted here that the State Govt had made the proposal to the Union Home Ministry for countering the insurgency movement as well as creating job avenues for the unemployed youths of the State.

Informing that funds incurred in setting up the two IRB battalions in the State would be borne by the Centre, the source said that suggestions have also been given by the Centre for constructing the battalion's barracks, buildings etc.

It also added that the State's proposal for setting up two battalions would materialize within the next one/two years.

Sources also said that the big security gap which came about following the shifting of six battalions of Central security forces during the Kargil war has been filled by the Assam Rifles and the Indian army and there was no shortage of security personnel for countering the insurgency problem Mention may be made here that Chief Minister O Ibobi had during a recent meeting with the Prime Minister and Defence Minister had made strong demands for sending additional six battalions of Central security forces to control the insurgency movements problem in the State.

Meanwhile, State Govt has also sent a written statement to the Central Govt pressuring for conducting a joint survey for reallocating the missing border pillars on the Indo Myanmar border and also to start border fencing works immediately in the State's border areas lying adjacent to the Myanmar border.

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