Protestors decry over multiple issues of Manipur crisis

Imphal: People in Imphal East decried over various issues multiplied in the prolonged crisis of Meitei-Kuki conflict in Manipur.

Heikakmapal Awang Leikai Meira Paibi, Heikakmapal Makha Leikai Meira Paibi, Heikakmapal Awang Leikai Village Development Committee, and Heikakmapal Makha Leikai Village Development Committee organised a one-day sit-in addressing the ongoing issues in Manipur on Monday at Keikakmapal Awang Leikai Lamkhai, Imphal East.

Secretary of Heikakmapal Awang Leikai Village Development Committee, Okram Romeo, expressed concerns about the disappearance of Laishram Kamalbabu, who has been missing since November 25 from the highly secure Leimakhong Army Camp.

“The disappearance of an individual from such a highly secure zone is very disappointing,” he said.

Romeo also addressed the cases filed by the NIA against the leader of Arambai Tengol (AT), Korounganba Khuman. He said AT took up arms to defend the people of Manipur from continuous attacks by narco-terrorists since May 3 last year. He demanded the immediate withdrawal of charges against the AT leader.

Romeo criticized the central government for failing to take action against these armed Kuki groups over the last 18 months while the NIA pressed charges against the AT chief for defending the Meitei community.

He also condemned the central government’s recent re-imposition of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act in six Meitei-dominated police station areas and called for its immediate withdrawal.

Referring to recent acts of arson, Romeo criticized mobs for targeting the residences of MLAs. He mentioned the destruction and burning of MLA Th. Lokeshwar’s residence near Sagolmang police station. Despite Lokeshwar providing shelter, food, and essential relief materials, including blankets and clothing, to displaced people in Khundrakpam Assembly Constituency, his house and the relief items were deliberately set ablaze.

“How much money did they take from Kuki militants to commit such crimes?” He asked.

Massive joint search operations by Manipur Police assisted by Indian Army is being undertaken since November 24 to trace Laishram Kamalbabu Singh. Indian Army has extended all support and resources to trace him utilising 2000 plus troops, helicopters, drones and Army tracker dogs. Further investigation using technical intelligence is being undertaken, said police on Monday.