More than 40 insurgent groups operating in Manipur: CM

Imphal: Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam on Monday said there are more than 40 insurgent groups operating in the state.

Speaking at the 124th Raising Day of Manipur Police here, he said the number of insurgent groups included factions and Manipur police had earned a "great reputation" for dealing with the difficult situation like not only in trying to contain insurgency but also in the complex day-to-day law and order problem, a police department press release quoted him as saying.

Referring to the ultra groups, Gaikhangam said apart from the violence indulged in by underground outfits and their numerous frontal organisations, small groups of armed mercenaries were also resorting to kidnapping for ransom, extortion and other unlawful activities.

The state police, he said, have taken stringent security measures to provide maximum security to the people and to instill a sense of security among them from threats, extortion, kidnapping for ransom and killing.

Gaikhangam, who is also the in-charge minister for home department, said Manipur police has now became a "people friendly force" with a human face without compromising on law and order.

In Manipur more than 300 surrendered militants were being rehabilitated and 25 hill-based militant groups had come under suspension of operation under the umbrella of Kuki National Organisation and United People Front.

This coupled with the tripartite agreement and MoUs signed with nine valley base militant groups since 2008 bore "ample testimony" that Manipur was on the road to peace, he said.

The deputy chief minister congratulated the rank and file of the police department in the arrest of underground cadres, seizure of arms and ammunition and drugs in the State.