Guwahati: Manipur is building up a Special Commando Unit under the state police department to fight insurgents and meet major law and order requirements.
Manipur Chief Minister Nongthombam Biren Singh said that it is part of the government's 'preventive measure' to create a viable environment for foreign investors in the region. He added that boosting the regional economy in Manipur is part of the BJP-led government’s plan alongside counter insurgency efforts and attempts at peace talks with rebel groups.
“The insurgency situation in Manipur has tremendously improved, but something or the other keeps happening. Foreign investors have entered Northeast, and they feel free and secure here. If any untoward incident takes places, it sends a wrong message. The decision to create this unit is part of the preventive measures adopted by the government in view of the current situation,” said N Biren.
Director General of police, LM Khaute, outlined this expanded role for state forces by terming it a more effective centralised unit to be equipped with sophisticated weapons for counter-insurgency operations and other important duties, including VIP visits.
“This unit is being set up to strengthen our deployment of police forces in terms of law and order, acts of terrorism and any other form of disorder. We are concentrating on streamlining the force by selecting teams from the existing commando strength for special training,” said Khaute.
The selected 256 commandos would be accommodated at 3 barracks available in 7th battalion Manipur Rifles complex for now. The special unit will have 20 officers and 245 state police personnel selected from four valley districts - Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal and Bishnupur.
Inspector James Thangal of Imphal West district will be acting as the Officer-in-Charge of the Special Commando Unit. He will work under the command of Imphal West additional superintendent of police (Operations) N Madhunimai Singh.
The overall control of the unit shall rest under Inspector General of Police (Zone 1) while the Deputy Inspector-General of Police (Range 1) will be supervising the functioning of the unit.
(With inputs from Noren Ningombam)
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