Arms taken away from MLA' escort, five personnel suspended

Imphal, July 22 (UNI) Some unknown armed militants today overpowered the escort party of Salam Joy, NCP MLA of Wangoi at Irom Meijrao Maning Liekai under Wangoi Police Station, Imphal West.

The MLA was returning after attending a Shradha ceremony at Govindgram under Nambol PS. Two Ak-47, two SLRs, one carbine and ammunitions were taken away from the escort, consisting of one Havildar, four riflemen of 1st Bn Manipur Rifles, the SP Imphal West, Clay Khongsai said.

Ten personnel from 1 Bn Manipur Rifles were provided as escort-cum-guard to Mr Salam Joy.

As per standing order issued by the state home department, whenever any protectee has to move outside Imphal Municipal Areas prior approval has to be obtained from the Home Minister for providing additional security personnel and other arrangements as per requirements.

However, Mr Salam Joy had not taken any permission or given his requirements to this Home Department or the PHQ about his movement to Govindagram today.

While he was going, he had taken the Tiddim road but on his way back he had taken Meijrao route, which is more vulnerable. The MLA could not give any reasonable explanation as to why he took the more vulnerable route.

The five MR personnel had been placed under suspension and the entire guards-cum-escort had been withdrawn.

On getting information about the incident, senior police officers, including IGP LO Manipur and DIR R I Manipur, commandos of Imphal West, Imphal East Bishenpur, army rushed to the spot and conducted search operations.

One Gypsy bearing No MN IK 6708 and one Scorpio bearing no MN 1k 2055 were recovered from the area, the SP said.

UNI