Addressing a press conference, Konthoujam said, “272 companies of CAPF were deployed in the state, including at different routes. However, 88 companies have been withdrawn due to elections in other states. We have been told that another 15 companies will be withdrawn, but after the chief minister highlighted the concern to central authorities, the Union Home ministry said no further companies will be withdrawn. So, 184 companies of CAPF are currently being retained.”
He said, “Mine and bulletproof vehicles have already started coming. After the Bengal elections on April 23 and April 29, all the withdrawn forces along with additional forces and those apt in counterinsurgency will arrive in the state.”
The Home minister appealed to the people to assist the government as they are committed to protecting the lives and properties of the people and dealing firmly with armed miscreants who challenge the law and order and public tranquillity.
He also appealed for revocation of the five-day state shutdown, which had been called from April 19 by Meira Paibis (women organisations) and other organisations to protest the Tronglaobi bomb attack incident in which two children were killed.
The Home minister said, “We have held talks with the Joint Action Committee formed in connection with the Tronglaobi incident in which two children were killed in an unfortunate event and listened to their charter of demands. We have also asked the father of the deceased children, who is in the BSF, for an equivalent post in the state forces as well as a similar post for the mother, who is a nurse in a private firm outside the state.”
“Hardships of the shutdown are felt by all. Children whose education is disrupted, daily wage earners, farmers and business persons. I want to appeal through the media for the revocation of the shutdown,” he added.
Later, responding to media queries on the creation of Lamka district for the Zomi community, Konthoujam said that the government has not given any commitment to the creation of Lamka district.
