Probe 'nexus' of govt staff, ultras: Koijam

NEW DELHI, March 7: The Manipur Chief Minister, Radhabinod Koijam, has favoured setting up of a judicial commission to investigate the politico-government employees nexus with the various insurgent groups in the Northeast. The Centre too is considering the proposal "We just can't deny their links with the militants. Though the Centre is yet to decide on the proposal which was mooted some time back, I am confident that it will yield positive result to minimise insurgency in the state," Koijam said. On the allegation against Gangmunei Kamei, the minister for forest and environment in his Cabinet, of having links with insurgent groups Koijam said, "The state Cabinet committee is investigating the allegation. If found true, the government will initiate action against him." "I am not ruling out their (politicians and government employees) support to the insurgents. But in most cases, they are extending support under compulsion as a majority of them are facing threats and they are worried about themselves and their family members," Koijam said. The Chief Minister told The Statesman that "the entire Northeast region is reeling under fear psychosis and state government can't do anything without Central assistance." Koijam said, "After the budget session, the state government will divide the Manipur Rifles into three categories. While two to three battalions would be assigned for escort and security duties, three battalions would be entrusted with the sole task of dealing with insurgents." He said, "I just can't blame the insurgent groups for increased killings and other criminal activities in the state. People after settling scores generally blame insurgent groups and the police force play a key role in it." The Manipur Rifles personnel who would be assigned the task of tackling insurgency, would be trained properly, he added. On extension of ceasefire in the entire Northeast region on the lines of J&K as mooted by the Centre Koijam said, "A particular group (NSCN(IM) is leaving no stone unturned and more importantly in Naga-dominated areas. But I will oppose the Centre's move, if it happens." On his government's decision to extend ceasefire in Manipur (without informing the Union home minister) for a period of a month (from 1 to 31 March), Koijam said, "I think the GoC must have informed the government in this regard." Blaming the Centre for not dealing with the Northeast insurgency problem "tactfully" Koijam said "Over the past five decades, the Centre had not initiated any effort to deal with the situation. The problem can't be solved by the security forces. There is complete lack of political will at the Centre." On the financial crunch the state is facing Koijam said, "After the budget session, irrespective of their rank and positions in the government, no minister will be allowed to make any STD calls or use government vehicles, even for official purposes.