Imphal: Manipur home minister Govindas Konthoujam on Wednesday vowed stringent legal action against any organisation or individual involved in extortion and intimidation of drivers along the national highways in the state.Konthoujam said the govt would soon issue the necessary notification and efforts would be made to use provisions of the National Security Act (NSA) against those involved in extortion, threats and harassment of transporters. “The govt is planning to book the extortionists and miscreants along the national highways under the National Security Act (NSA),” he said.He was speaking at an event at the 1st Manipur Rifles Parade Ground in Imphal, where arms, ammunition and explosives recovered during the six months since the formation of the state govt on Feb 4 were displayed.Konthoujam said Manipur has only two-three major lifelines, and prolonged disruption of these routes causes immense hardship to the public. He said the chief minister and the council of ministers had discussed the issue in detail and decided to enforce the Control of National Highways (Land and Traffic) Act, 2002, particularly provisions relating to regulation of highway traffic and removal of unauthorised occupation and physical obstruction.He said the state govt would also make efforts to implement the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, 1984, more effectively in Manipur to deal with damage to public infrastructure.Konthoujam said deweaponisation in both the hills and the valley was the first step towards lasting peace. He said joint security forces had been conducting operations and recovering a large number of weapons, calling the seizures evidence of the govt’s seriousness in restoring peace and harmony.He praised the efforts of state and central security forces in maintaining security and recovering illegal arms.Konthoujam appealed to every community to come forward for dialogue and work towards resolving differences through peaceful means. He urged people to strengthen cooperation and avoid rumours that could increase tensions among communities.
