Imphal, March 11 Manipur Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam said on Wednesday that the number of firearms seized by security forces is much higher than those looted at the onset of ethnic violence in the state.
Konthoujam, who is in charge of the Home Department, made the statement in the assembly while responding to Congress Legislature Party leader Keisham Meghachandra's queries on issues related to illegal immigrants, seizure of firearms, and the path to peace.
"The number of firearms seized by security forces is higher than the number of firearms looted. A total of 6,020 firearms have been looted, while 7,437 firearms have been recovered."
"Since Manipur has porous borders, there have been instances of smuggling of illegal firearms from other countries. This is why the international border is being fenced to stop such illegal activities. Under the guidance of the Home Ministry, the state government is trying to recover every firearm looted from government armouries," the minister said.
He said the government is holding regular meetings with stakeholders and has intensified security measures to restore peace and normalcy.
The government firmly believes that disarming all those who are armed will lead to normalcy, he said.
"Extortion-related calls, even those coming from outside the state, are being monitored. We are trying to build trust and confidence among people to remove the fear psychosis. However, due to the ethnic clashes, there are still reservations among people on moving freely within the state," the minister said.
He said several committees had been formed earlier to identify illegal immigrants but due to the outbreak of ethnic violence, the identification and deportation of the illegal immigrants could not be wholly completed.
Still, the central government extended its full cooperation and biometric exercises were also started for identification, he said.
"To prevent the entry of illegal immigrants, security forces have been adequately deployed and strategic measures taken, including operations by joint mobile teams in border areas and the establishment of permanent and mobile check posts," the minister said.
Konthoujam said cordon and search operations, along with area domination exercises and flag marches in vulnerable areas, have also been conducted.
The objective is not just to control the movement of illegal immigrants but also armed persons, insurgents and drug smugglers, he said.
Unfortunately, Manipur is among the drug hubs of the world but the CM had instructed officials concerned to identify drug kingpins in the state, the minister said.
"As far as IDPs (internally displaced persons) are concerned, the responsibility for their well-being must not lie only with the government but should also involve all stakeholders.
"As to claims that funds for the IDPs are not sufficient, I would like to state that the government is providing whatever it has from its resources. Additional resources are also being provided by the central government. The government has been providing livelihood support, direct benefit transfers and aid for construction of houses," he said.
The minister also lauded the state police, saying that despite limitations, it is taking a major responsibility to establish the law of the land.
He said the state police functions under the Assam Police Manual, and the government is trying to bring in a Manipur Police Manual and Manipur Police Code.