"Urged Central Govt to allow maximum use of state machinery in border areas": Manipur CM Biren Singh

Imphal (Manipur) [India], December 26 (ANI): Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh on Thursday said the state government has urged the Centre to allow maximum use of state machinery for border management.
Speaking to the media after inspecting the Manipur Police firing range at Pangei Vairy village, Singh stated that the Indian government is taking steps to regulate the Free Movement Regime (FMR) along the India-Myanmar border.
"The Indian government is trying to regulate the FMR... Earlier, the Home Ministry mentioned that visas will be required for Myanmar nationals wishing to come to India. They will be allowed only after obtaining a visa and passport. However, this is an interim arrangement, and I believe the final settlement is yet to be reached," he said.
Singh emphasized that this is a temporary measure, as several neighbouring states have raised concerns about the imposition of FMR. He assured that the regulation of FMR in Manipur will follow international norms, requiring visas and passports after completing formalities with Myanmar.
"Many neighbouring states have expressed opposition to the imposition of FMR. I assure you that the FMR in the Manipur area will be regulated according to international norms, through visas or passports once formalities with the neighbouring country are completed. As per the order issued yesterday, there is an internal settlement. We have requested the central government to allow maximum use of state machinery at the borders so that we can identify individuals accurately," he said.
In a post on X, the Manipur CM said the newly recruited constables will undergo specialised training in response to the current law and order situation in the state.
"Today, I visited the Manipur Police Training Centre at Pangei to inspect the newly constructed barrack, which will soon be used for training purposes. Given the current law and order situation in the state, the newly recruited constables will undergo specialised training. This step is crucial to enhance the strength and readiness of our police force to ensure safety and security across Manipur. We are committed to equipping our police personnel with the best facilities and training to meet any challenges effectively," he said.
"The security personnel who have recently completed training will undergo additional training for a few months to form a special team capable of handling any eventualities in the state. The police are the backbone of society, and we will prioritise strengthening them," Singh added. (ANI)