Manipur has decided to step up counter-insurgency operations by adopting new tactics and providing security cover along Imphal-Jiribum-Silchar highway (NH -53) on the State’s side. A high-level security meeting presided by Chief Minister O. Ibobi Singh recently agreed on a   proposal to launch massive  combing operations in the valley and hills districts to trace the different armed insurgents.

The proposal, which also considers mobilisation of all available forces, had been  submitted to the government by Director General of Police (Manipur) S. Bimolchandra Singh. No details were divulged about the new tactics to   be adopted.  It was also not known when    the intensive combing operations  by security forces would begin but the sources said mobilisation of troops have already begun. To facilitate the operations, a joint security control room and interrogation cell would be opened to coordinate among the different security agencies  which would share the insurgency-related information, the sources said.

The meeting, attended by Nagaland-based GOC Major  General Marshal and Manipur DGP Bimolchandra Singh, DIG (Assam Rifles) Brig EJ Kochikon, DIG BSF, Manipur and Nagaland PK Misra and other high security officials, assumed significance in view of the increasing militant activities in the region. The meeting also discussed the incidents of looting, extortion and crime on the highways, particularly on Imphal-Dimapur-Guwahati highway No. 39 and agreed to strengthen security measures along them, the sources said.

Personnel of the 3rd India Reserve Battalion who were   now undergoing training would be deployed at Manipur portions of   the highways after completion of their course in December, they   said.  The GOC Major General Marshal the sources said, had reportedly told the meeting that security along NH 39 on Nagaland side had been intensified after the September 5 incident in which three Manipur-bound vehicles were looted and women passengers brutally molested by armed Nagas at Piphema.

However, lot of steps are needed, apart from stepping up vigil, to make the NH 53 a safe highway for the travellers.
    
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