Army declares safe passage for Manipuri ultras during Yaoshang

IMPHAL, February 27: The Army has announced safe passage for all the insurgent groups operating in this border State during the 'Yaoshang' festival which commences from March 9. Addressing a press conference here at the historic Kangla Fort yesterday, the GOC of 57 Mountain Division, Major General Iqbal Singh, said that the suspension of operations against all the insurgent groups in Manipur will commence from March 1 and it will conclude on March 15. During the period, the Army and the Assam Rifles deployed in Manipur, will not carryout any operations against the insurgents, Iqbal said, adding, " If the personnel of the Army and Assam Rifles are attacked, they will, of course retaliate in the appropriate military manner." The major general also appealed to the underground outfits in Manipur to enjoy the Yaoshang festival with their family members. He, however, warned the insurgents not to move with any arms and ammunition during the festival "in order to respect peace opportunity." Major general Singh who is the overall incharge of Army and Assam Rifles posted in Manipur, Mizoram and some parts of Assam further appealed to other State security forces as well as paramilitary forces also announce safe passage to the ultras of Manipur during Yaoshang, and to announce the suspension of operations against the insurgents. He hoped that the other State security forces, extend their help to the Army while dealing with the insurgency-related matters in order to re-establish "the rule of law" in this trouble-torn State. Mention may be made here that the newly installed ministry of RadhabinodKoijam-led People's Front has already indicated that they are going to discuss the matter of safe passage for the insurgents during the Yaoshang festival after weighing its pros and cons at the Cabinet meeting to be held earlier. The Chief Minister, Radhabinod Koijam also informed the media persons during a press conference recently that his government may announce safe passage for the insurgents during the five-day Yaoshang festival in this State. However the matter is yet to be expedited in view of the ongoing political scenario. Replying to questions raised by the mediapersons, Major General Singh stated that the Army will certainly initiate action against the personnel who may violate the terms of the safe passage move. He, however, clarified that the terms 'Human Rights' should not be applied "selectively'. He appealed to the general public, particularly the mediapersons, to help the army in achieving the goal of 'peace' in Manipur.