Imphal, Dec. 1: In an unprecedented move, Manipur police have imposed restrictions on the free entry of government officials into the district headquarters of Chandel. The move followed complaints that militant outfits in the district have been ?summoning? government officials and harassing them, a top-ranking police official said today, adding that the step has been taken to check the unhealthy practice of government officials entertaining summons from militants.
Under this special measure, officials coming in government vehicles, private vehicles or even on two-wheelers are required to report to the Pallel police outpost. A special police picket has been posted at Pallel, the main entry point to the district headquarters. It will record the names, addresses and purpose of visit, especially of government officials and contractors, to the district headquarters.
Even civilians coming in vehicles other than passenger buses heading for the district headquarters are required to go through this procedure.
After the verification, Chandel police is informed and then the visitors are allowed to proceed. Verification will be carried out by Thoubal police as Pallel falls in that district. The police will soon start checking the supply of essential commodities.
Earlier, there was only one motorable route connecting Pallel and Chandel district headquarters. But recently, a new road had been constructed. A police picket has also been posted at the junction of these two routes for verification of visitors, police said. Reports said people coming in private vehicles are turned back daily from Pallel police outpost if they cannot provide a reason for visiting the district headquarters.