Dimapur: Lt Gen Pradeep Chandran Nair, the Directorate General of Assam Rifles, engaged with the press on Sunday, May 5, during the 33rd anniversary commemoration of Operation Dudhi at the Battalion in Ghaspani, Chumoukedima.
Lt Gen Pradeep Chandran Nair shed light on the evolving security situation in Manipur. While noting a decline in violence levels compared to previous months, Gen Nair expressed deep concern over the widespread availability of weapons among civilians, he said, “In terms of violence levels, surely, it is not what was there last May, June, July.. .those have decreased. But what is worrisome indeed is the number of weapons that are there amongst the people – the common people, of both the communities. The society, as you would understand, has got weaponized – that is our biggest area of concern. And of course, as serious as that concern is, also the fact that both the sections of the society, the two communities, have got hugely polarized. And that is something, we as Assam Rifles are working on back channel to try and get both the communities together.”
Responding to inquiries regarding the proposed scrapping of the Free Movement Regime (FMR), and the resultant opposition from northeastern communities, particularly in Nagaland, Gen Nair spoke on the government’s decision being a security measure. He noted that while the details of the FMR’s elimination are yet to be revealed, he acknowledged the existing opposition and urged for a comprehensive understanding of the situation before forming judgments.
“Surely there might be some opposition on ground, but let the finer print come out. We will see what exactly is there in the details, and we will find ways to handle it,” Gen Nair stated.
Dear Reader,
Every day, our team at EastMojo travels through rain, rough roads, and remote hills to bring you stories that matter – stories from your town, your people, your Northeast.
We do this because we believe in truthful, independent journalism. No big corporate backing, no government pressure – just honest reporting by local journalists who live and breathe the same air you do.
But to keep doing this work, we need you. Your small contribution helps us pay our reporters fairly, reach places others ignore, and keep asking the tough questions.
If you believe the Northeast deserves its own fearless voice, stand with us.
Support independent journalism. Be a Member.
Thank you,
Karma Paljor
Editor-in-Chief, eastmojo.com
Regarding the escalating issue of drug trafficking, Gen Nair underscored the concerning trend of increasing contraband seizures, particularly over the past three years. Despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the movement of drugs across the Indo-Myanmar border persisted. Notably, he disclosed staggering figures of contraband seizures, with a significant rise from 2022 to 2023 and a substantial increase already recorded in 2024.
Also Read | RPF urges NE youth to seize job opportunities in rail security