In an effort to curb escalating unrest and protect the local population, Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh has issued firm instructions to security agencies to identify active armed groups linked to recent attacks on civilians. The administration has issued a direct warning that organisations found guilty of perpetrating violence against innocent people could be declared unlawful by the state cabinet and subjected to strict legal action under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, commonly known as UAPA.
High-Level Security Review at Mantripukhri
The directive was issued during an extensive security coordination meeting held on Tuesday at the Cabinet Hall of the Chief Minister’s Secretariat in Mantripukhri. Presided over by Yumnam Khemchand Singh, the session was convened to carry out a comprehensive review of the prevailing law and order situation across the state and to deliberate on robust measures required to strengthen the ground security architecture.
Outlining the outcome of the deliberations, the Chief Minister wrote on X that security officials have been tasked with identifying active armed outfits suspected of orchestrating the recent surge in violence. This mandate specifically excludes any organisations that are currently engaged in peace negotiations. The agencies were instructed to compile their investigative findings and submit a detailed report regarding the involvement of these elements without delay.
Unlawful Declarations and Anti-Terror Law Provisions
Highlighting the potential administrative consequences, Yumnam Khemchand Singh stated that the state cabinet would act decisively once the security findings are presented. If the investigation confirms that any group has been involved in violent strikes against peaceful citizens, the cabinet will be compelled to formally declare such outfits as unlawful associations.
Addressing the ongoing threat to public safety, the Chief Minister emphasised that armed factions refusing to cease hostilities against the civilian population would face the full force of the law. "Such groups would be dealt with under the provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA)," Khemchand Singh said. This move signals a hardening of the state government's stance against insurgent activities that disrupt civilian normalcy.
Joint Participation by Central Agencies, Police and Military Leaders
The security deliberation witnessed wide representation from the state government, law enforcement leadership, and central paramilitary establishments. Among those attending in person were Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam, Chief Secretary Rajeev Singh Thakur, Security Advisor Kuldiep Singh, and Manipur Director General of Police Mukesh Singh. The Commissioner (Home) and the Additional Director General of Police for Law and Order were also present to provide administrative assessments.
Military operational inputs were provided by the General Officer Commanding of 3 Corps, Lieutenant General Girish Kalia, who took part in the proceedings via video conference. The meeting brought together leadership from the Assam Rifles, represented by IGAR (South) and IGAR (East), alongside the Inspector General of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Deputy Inspector General of the Border Security Force (BSF), and the Joint Director of the Intelligence Bureau (IB). Officials representing the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), and senior figures from the state Home Department also contributed to formulating the coordinated defense plan.
