IMPHAL: Following a call for a boycott on Independence Day by certain banned outfits, security arrangements across Manipur have been significantly beefed up to ensure safety and tranquility.
Prominent among the outfits is the Coordinating Committee (Corcom), which encompasses banned entities such as the United National Liberation Front (UNLF), People’s Liberation Army (PLA), and PREPAK. Notably, Corcom has issued a general strike call spanning from 1 am to 6.30 pm on August 15.
The urgency of the situation is underscored by the fact that two additional proscribed outfits too have independently announced a shutdown in the state for the same day.
Meanwhile, security forces deployed in the state have undertaken thorough search operations in vulnerable areas across five districts, successfully recovering a cache of arms and ammunition, the local media reported.
In a joint effort between state police and central security forces, search operations were conducted across Imphal-West, Imphal-East, Thoubal, Bishnupur, and Churachandpur districts recovering 12 firearms, six ammunitions, and eight explosives as announced by Manipur Police on their official social media handle in a popular micro-blogging website.
Amidst these developments, preparations for the Independence Day celebrations are proceeding with full fervour throughout the state. The Border Security Force (BSF), police personnel, Assam Rifles, and students have all rallied to join rehearsals for the anticipated march past on Tuesday.
Over the weekend, spirited rehearsals took place at the Peace Ground in Churachandpur district’s Tuiboung area. With an enthusiastic participation of 21 parade contingents from BSF, police, students, and Assam Rifles, the atmosphere was charged with patriotic energy, an official shared.
The capital city of Imphal is also undergoing preparations, marked by the erection of temporary gates and the display of vibrant hoardings, in anticipation of the forthcoming Independence Day celebrations.
