Imphal: Tight security arrangements have been made in the entire state including Imphal and Churachandpur ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s possible visit to Manipur. Security has been tightened in every city. Also, security forces are keeping an eye on every inch. A large number of state and central forces personnel have been deployed in and around the Kangla Fort spread over 237 acres in Imphal and the Peace Ground in Churachandpur. A grand stage is being constructed here for the Prime Minister’s program.
PM Modi is expected to reach Manipur from Mizoram on Saturday. However, no official announcement has been made in this regard so far. But preparations are going on in Manipur. This will be PM Modi’s first visit to Manipur after ethnic violence broke out between Kuki and Meitei in May 2023.
Search and checking has been increased in Sanjenthong, Minuthong and Moirangkhom areas leading to Kangla Fort in view of PM Modi’s visit. Central security teams, along with state personnel, are conducting 24-hour inspection of Kangla Fort. Boats of the State Disaster Management Force have been deployed to patrol the trenches around the fort.
Sniffer dogs and modern equipment are being used to detect any unwanted material. Security personnel are patrolling the fort on foot in turns to check for any unwanted signals, a central security official said. Registration and checking of everyone entering the fort is being done and entry of tourists to the fort has been stopped.
Officials said a high alert has been issued and exercises are being conducted under the supervision of senior officials. Daily meetings of security officials are also being held to monitor the situation. A large team of central security officials also reached Churachandpur. Elsewhere in the state, security forces have intensified search operations in all sensitive and border areas of the state. Temporary check posts have been set up by state forces and CRPF in both hill and valley districts to check movement of anti-social elements.
Three militants arrested
Three militants have been arrested in Manipur in the last 48 hours. A member of the banned PREPAK was arrested with a 9mm pistol from his residence at Langthabal Kunja in Imphal West district. A militant of the banned United National Liberation Front (Koireng) was also arrested from Sunusiphai in Bishnupur district. Another militant of the banned KCP (Taibangnangamba) was arrested from Wangkhei in Imphal East district on Tuesday.
