SIPHRO

Imphal, January 21, 2006: Even as the State Government had assured to provide adequate relief assistance to villagers of Parbung area who had fled their homestead due to clashes between security personnel and underground activists information could be culled that ongoing operation to flush out militants from interior areas of Churachandpur district is being conducted following an understanding with the Myanmar military.

Informed source conveyed that State authorities are in constant touch with the Mizoram Government for provision of relief materials to Parbung area villagers most of whom had fled to the neighbouring State due to gun-fights that erupted some days back.

In addition to warm acceptance to a message from the State Secretary Jarnail Singh to his Mizoram counterpart, the latter is informed to have pledged for adequate welfare measures for the displaced persons.

On the other hand, press source conveyed that the ongoing flush-out operation in the interior pockets of Churachandpur district which is located close to the international boundary have the backing and understanding of Myanmar army.

In case circumstantial compulsion necessitate assistance from the Myanmar military there will be no hesitation in launching joint operations to crack down on UG activities, said the source.

It further disclosed that strength of Central forces’ presence in the State had been augmented following withdrawal of troops after cessation of hostility in Kargil.

Currently seven battalion of Indian Army, 22 Assam Rifles battalion, four BSF battalions and eight battalion of the CRPF are being deployed in different pockets of the State to deal with the insurgency problem, the source detailed.

Source: The Sangai Express