Imphal, Mar 5 : A recent incident where cadres of banned Kuki National Front (KNF-P) forced people of three villages to leave their homes, leaves us with the impression that militancy isn't over in Manipur yet.
Over 100 residents of Motbung, Saparmeina and Kangpokpi villages had to take refuge in a community hall in Sekmai Koujaengleima, a nearby village in the region. The mass exodus came after Kuki insurgents threatened them with dire consequences. Kuki cadres abducted village leaders for a day and held them at the Ebenezer Camp to get their message across.
"The abducted businessman's son hasn't been released till now and the Kuki group has demanded that we should vacate the village. The cadres have also warned us of facing trouble if they find anybody here during their search operation. So, we have left our homes and taken shelter here," said Premjit Singh, a resident of Sapormeina village.
"When I came here, I saw many villagers taking shelter. I tried to persuade them to go back to their homes, but they refused out of fear. So, now I am looking after them along with some people of this Sekmai area," added M. Goura Singh, Sub Divisional Officer, Saitu-Gamphazol.
The threat issued to the villagers is a violation of the ground rules of suspension of operations agreement. Recently, Centre and state authorities had issued a strong warning to the Kuki National Front to stop recruiting young children.
Many NGO's and civil society groups like Kuki Inpi and United Committee Manipur reached Sekmai Koujaengleima to help the people of Motbung, Saparmeina and Kangpokpi villages. The refugees were provided with food, clothes and other basic necessities. Meanwhile, security forces have been deployed in these villages to prevent further untoward incident.
"We were asked to pack our belongings and leave immediately. We are helpless and cannot do anything. We request the government to resolve this situation and bring peace as soon as possible," said K. Ranjana Devi, Secretary, Meira Paibi.
"We request both the government and insurgents to talk and resolve the problem, so that we can go back home. We want peace in our village," added Iboyaima, Secretary, Motbung Village.
Insurgents claim they have the interests of the people on top of their agenda. This, however, is not reflected in their actions. The flight of people from Motbung, Saparmeina and Kangpokpi villages, is yet another example of this fact.
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