IMPHAL: After a lull of over six years, the security forces have launched massive combing operations in the Imphal valley to flush out the guerrillas who have fighting for freedom.

Although Manipur was declared a disturbed area and the Armed Forces (Assam and Manipur) Special Powers Act enforced in 1980, combing operations in the area was stopped as most of the valley-based underground outfits were busted in the early 80s. The main set-ups which had operated them were the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), the Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP) and the People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK).

But the deterioration in the law and order situation in the recent past has necessitated re-deployment of security forces throughout Imphal valley, according to official sources,

The district superintendent of police, N. Snyamanda Singh, said in a statement that the Manipur

police and the Central Reserve Police (CRP) launched combing operations from Oct.1 1, at different parts of Imphal. About 30 persons have been rounded up.

Singh said a division of the Army had arrived in Manipur. The Army may launch combing operations at different places on its own, he added. The deployment of the Army in Manipur follows the visit of the Union Minister of state for home, M.M Jacob, who had expressed serious concern at the deteriorating law and order situation in the state during his visit recently.

The situation in the state has been further complicated following the declaration of October 15 as “protest day” by the PLA against the merger of Manipur with India in 1949.

PLA pamphlets circulated all over Imphal valley “appealed” to the people to observe the “protest day” by stopping all celebrations, movement of traffic and entertainment shows,

Another underground organization, the United National Liberation Front (UNLF), which is responsible for the killing of the former director of medical and public health, Manipur, also issued a pamphlet warning that it would climinated those involved in social crimes, injustice, corruption, malpractices, etc. The UNLF for the first time, has stared indulging in violence and killed over 20 persons, including five CRPF men in the past 10 months.

The outlawed PREPAK, which was considered to have been smashed earlier, has resurfaced and is urging underground organizations in north-east India to unite. Pamphlets circulated in connection with the 16th anniversary of the organization on October 9 PREPAK said it would fight for an independent Manipur.

Article extracted from this publication >> October 23, 1992