On Monday, the ‘Disturbed Area’ status was extended for the entire Manipur state for a period of six months with effect, excluding the areas falling under the jurisdiction of the 19 police stations. The commissioner (Home) had issued a notification in which he stated that the 19 police stations are Imphal, Lamphel, City, Singjamei, Sekmai, Lamsang, Patsoi, Wangoi, Porompat, Heingang, Lamlai, Irilbung, Leimakhong, Thoubal, Bishnupur, Nambol, Moirang, Kakching, and Jiribam.
To declare the disturbed area, it is stated that the approval status was accorded by the Manipur Governor in exercise of the powers conferred by Section 3 of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (Act No. 28 of 1958), as amended from time to time. It is said that the Manipur Governor agreed with the opinion that the violent activities of various insurrectionary teams warrant the use of the Armed Forces in aid of civil administration in the entire state, except for the areas falling under the jurisdiction of the mentioned 19 police stations.
It is also stated that the state government also agrees with the opinion after understanding the governing law and order situation in the state, where it is not reasonable to have a detailed appraisal on the basis that the sister security agencies are preoccupied with the maintenance of law and order. It is mentioned that it will be unseasonable to reach any conclusion on such fragile matters without detailed assessment; thereby, it is not right to review the ‘Disturbed Area’ status of the state at the moment.
