IMPHAL, Nov 13 ? Under the directive of the Centre, the Manipur Government led by Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh is applying two-pronged strategies in dealing with insurgents. In the carrot and stick policy, over 25 rebels of various outfits eschewed the path of violence and joined the national mainstream to start a new life after surrendering to the Chief Minister.
Around 200 ultras were killed, 1704 cadres of several outfits were arrested along with 247 sophisticated weapons during the period between March 7, 2002 and first week of November. The strategy is being applied with increasing strength of police commandos from 500 to 800 and improving collection of intelligence and coordination among various security forces for effective counter-insurgency operations.
Ibobi, who is also chairman of the newly formed United Command Structure of the police and central forces in the ongoing Operations All Clear, has said that additional central forces are being deployed in two districts - Churachandpur and Bishnupur where over 5000 cadres of underground outfits are operating to make their presence felt.
With the surrender of two hardcore activists of the proscribed People?s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak to the Chief Minister on November 10, the number of surrendered rebels now taking shelter in the state government?s custody, has gone up to 84. The Chief Minister who also holds the home portfolio, has said that his government is trying to absorb them in the state home department.
Promising to extend all possible assistance in rehabilitating them to lead normal lives, Ibobi said it is high time for all outfits to realise the deteriorating law-and-order situation created by them with violent activities. Interestingly, the government is not giving any job to the ex-ultras despite his promises. However, during the reign of the Nipamacha ministry in 2000, 18 former militants were given govt jobs.