The Home Ministry is concerned over the increasing extortion and violence unleashed mostly by the fake insurgents in Manipur. For the first time, it has intervened and asked the persons who get such extortion threats and victims of violence used as pressure tactics to lodge complaints within one hour with effect from Monday. Those who fail to inform the MHA or police about these extortion will be held accountable for all consequences.
The Ministry has issued a public notice on Sunday asking all sections of people in general and affluent groups in particular to lodge complaints with the nearest police station or inform the ministry through the helplines. The names of the underground organisations, amount demanded, their telephone numbers and other particulars should be notified to the police stations and the MHA. However, the victims should use their own telephone numbers. Complaints lodged using some other phones will not be entertained or acknowledged. Identity of the callers shall be kept confidential.
The MHA notification said that there have been increasing instances of violence. It is believed that fake insurgents and some groups which are signatories to the suspension of operations are behind these extortion threats. As per ground rules of the suspension of operations, the former insurgents cannot indulge in extortion and other insurgency related crimes. There was no comment from the Manipur Home Minister Gaikhangam Gangmei.
Meanwhile, there was a procession of medicos of Regional Institute of Medical Sciences, Imphal on Monday demanding protection and an end to senseless violence. On Friday night a senior professor of the medical college, Dr N.G. Taruni was shot while she was examining patients in her private clinic. Though three bullets were fired one hit her head. She is recuperating and is said to be out of danger. She told reporters that she was attacked as she refused to pay up. She is not disclosing the name of the underground organisation.
