Imphal, Manipur, March 1 (HBTV): The Manipur government has requisitioned the assistance of the Assam Rifles in different parts of six violence-affected districts to assist the "civil authority to maintain peace and bring a sense of security and confidence" to the public.

A notice from the district magistrate of Imphal West district stated information from the district Superintendent of Police that "serious breach of law and order has taken place within Imphal city and adjoining areas." Reports of mob violence have been received, the updates stated.

"The situation has gone beyond the control of the district administration and district police," it stated adding that the service of the Assam Rifles has been requisitioned in different parts of the district from February 29 till March 5.

Letters issued by the Bishnupur district magistrate informed about the requisitioning of a column of 5/6 GR for deployment at Nambol Police station till the assembly session is over.

Thoubal District Magistrate also informed about the requisition of the paramilitary force in "sensitive areas of Thoubal district" during assembly session.

Similar requisition for the Assam Rifles has been ordered in three hill districts of Churachandpur, Kangpokpi, and Tengnoupal.

Orders issued separately by the district magistrates of Churachandpur and Kangpokpi districts also informed about the requisitioning of the Assam Rifles in "Churachandpur town and adjoining areas" and "Kangpokpi" respectively "to maintain peace and bring a sense of security and confidence among the people."

Again, the Tengnoupal district magistrate also stated that the "district administration and district police requires necessary assistance of central forces" and that the services of the Assam Rifles are being requisitioned with "immediate effect." 

Development comes amid state police commandos laying down arms  

The development comes amid Manipur police commando units of various districts laying down arms demanding a free hand in dealing with armed attackers and in protest against the abduction of a police officer by a radical Meitei group. 

Reports said that on Tuesday night, approximately 200 armed members of a radical Meitei group called the Arambai Tenggol allegedly attacked the residence of Imphal West’s additional superintendent of police Moirangthem Amit. The group reportedly kidnapped him and one of his escorts.         

Police commando units of Imphal West Police, Imphal East, and Bishnupur district laid down their arms just when the Manipur Legislative Assembly winter session begun.

Additional reports said police commando units of Thoubal district and Kakching district too took a similar decision.