Reported by Bit Irom
Imphal: Manipur Director General of Police (DGP) Mukesh Singh has issued a strong warning against individuals taking the law into their own hands, stating that anyone found carrying weapons illegally or opening fire on security forces will face stringent legal action.
The remarks were made during the DGP’s visit to Churachandpur district, where he reviewed the prevailing law and order situation with senior police officials, Army and paramilitary representatives and members of various civil society organizations.
Emphasising the state’s commitment to restoring peace, Singh said any armed individual attempting to enforce their own version of justice would be dealt with firmly under the law. He further warned that security personnel would respond appropriately in self-defence if attacked.
Referring to the ethnic violence that erupted between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities on May 3, 2023, the DGP noted that more than 6,000 police weapons and lakhs of rounds of ammunition were looted during the unrest. He said nearly 70 per cent of the stolen weapons have since been recovered, while efforts are ongoing to recover the remaining firearms through voluntary surrender and enforcement measures.
Addressing concerns over misinformation, Singh said a dedicated social media monitoring cell has been activated to track and act against individuals spreading fake news or content that could trigger communal tensions. He warned that creating, sharing, uploading or circulating misleading, inflammatory or objectionable content on social media platforms would invite strict legal action under applicable laws.
The DGP also commented on recent protests organised by various social groups, stating that police had identified and detained outside agitators involved in some demonstrations. While reaffirming citizens’ democratic right to protest, he urged organisations and individuals to pursue their grievances through peaceful and lawful means.
During his visit on June 13, Singh chaired a series of meetings with district police officers, personnel from the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and Assam Rifles, as well as representatives of civil society organisations.
He commended the efforts of security agencies in maintaining law and order and praised the district police for their successes in narcotics seizures, arrests of armed miscreants and recovery of illegal weapons.
Interacting with civil society leaders, the DGP assured them that their concerns would be addressed through appropriate legal channels and appealed for continued cooperation in promoting peace, dialogue and communal harmony across the state.