Army Chief General N.C. Vij is flying to Imphal on Thursday to review the situation in the troubled state. Vij’s visit comes ahead of Home Minister Shivraj Patil’s, almost two months after the rape and killing of Th. Manorama. Sources said the Prime Minister’s Office has been extremely concerned and that Home Minister Shivraj Patil’s September 4-6 visit to the North-East is also a result of PMO coaxing. ‘‘The PMO had wanted Patil to visit Manipur around August 11 when the protests were at its peak. But for some reason, the Home Minister did not show inclination at the time. Even now, he has broadbased the visit to the entire region rather than focus on Manipur,’’ a source said. Vij would also visit Dimapur-based headquarters of III Corps which handles counter-insurgency operations in Manipur. It is understood that the Army is amenable to amending some clauses of AFSPA, but does not want to get into counter-insurgency operations without the cover of the Act. “Orders have been issued that no woman, even if suspected to be a member of an insurgent outfit, would be arrested by Army personnel unless she is armed. And if they have information, they would pass it to the local police for action,’’ Army headquarters said. Blood samples taken IMPHAL: Blood samples were drawn from 31 Assam Rifles personnel, including two Majors, on Tuesday for DNA tests in connection with the rape and killing of Th Manorama. Meanwhile, protests continued on Wednesday as students destroyed their books near the Raj Bhavan when prevented from going inside. —(PTI)
