Centre reimposes Protected Area Permit in Manipur

The Union ministry of home affairs (MHA) has reimposed the Protected Area Permit in Manipur in view of security concerns arising out of a potential influx of people from neighbouring countries, a state government statement said.

The statement issued late on Wednesday night said, "With this reimposition, the movement of foreigners visiting Manipur will be closely monitored, and they are required to obtain the necessary Protected Area Permit (PAP) in accordance with the Foreigners (Protected Areas) Order, 1958.

It said the Centre has reimposed the Protected Area Permit in Manipur, Nagaland and Mizoram.

The statement also said the state government has taken notice of the warning issued by an organisation which asked chief minister N. Biren Singh not to travel to Senapati district to attend a cultural programme by passing through Kangpokpi district by road.

It stated "Upon investigation, it has been found that no such organization (Kuki Zo Council) exists in Manipur. The origin and authenticity of this group are highly questionable."

The statement said the police are actively looking into this matter and an FIR will be lodged to ascertain the true nature and intent behind such misleading activities.

The government also advised the people "to exercise caution and not to pay heed to statements or claims from organisations of dubious origins, which have been surfacing recently with the apparent intention of creating confusion and unrest".

It said the state government is committed to maintaining peace and harmony in the state and advised citizens to remain vigilant and trust only credible sources of information.

Meanwhile, security forces reportedly busted camps belonging to two banned militant organisations while conducting search operations in Manipur's Imphal East district, the police said on Thursday.

A hideout of the banned Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL) at Makou Pourabi was busted on Wednesday during which one air gun, one mobile handset and one bulletproof helmet were seized, they said.

Another training camp of the proscribed PREPAK, also at Makou Pourabi, was destroyed on Wednesday, during which one INSAS LMG magazine, bayonet, five wooden dummy guns, two walkie-talkie sets, and cartridges were seized.

Police also arrested nine cadres of the banned militant outfit Kangleipak Communist Party (Peoples' War Group) during the last two days for their involvement in extortion activities.

On Wednesday police arrested two members of KCP (PWG) who were involved in extortion activities from Mantripukhri bazar in Imphal East district and recovered demand letters and cash receipt notes of the outfit from their possession.

Six members of the KCP (PWG) organisation were arrested from Bijoypur Mamang Leikai and Makha Leikai in Kakching district on Wednesday.

On Tuesday, police also arrested one member of the KCP (PWG) allegedly involved in extortion from Tangkhul Avenue area in Imphal West district.