Imphal, April 12: Govindas Konthoujam on April 11 said the state government is exploring a phased plan to replace some central security forces deployed in Manipur’s valley districts with state personnel, amid growing concerns over the security situation.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a programme, the minister stated that efforts are underway to relocate central forces currently stationed in peripheral valley areas to adjoining hill regions. These units are expected to be gradually replaced by state security forces in the valley.
The proposed move follows increasing demands from valley-based civil society organisations, which have called for the withdrawal of central forces. These groups have alleged that recent armed and bomb attacks originating from neighbouring hill areas were not effectively prevented.
However, Konthoujam acknowledged that the transition would take time, citing manpower shortages within the state’s security apparatus as a key challenge. He added that logistical factors are also being carefully evaluated before any changes are implemented.
Referring to the recent bomb attack at Tronglaobi in Bishnupur district that claimed the lives of two children, the minister said an investigation is currently in progress. He declined to provide further details, stating that it would be premature to comment while the probe is ongoing.
