Move to shift Pambei led UNLF camp opposed
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By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, June 27: Tension erupted in Khundrakpam Constituency of Imphal East district today after an attempt was made to relocate the Pambei-led UNLF from its designated camp at Nongshum to another site in accordance with a Government order.
Angered by the move, local Meira Paibi activists from Nongshum, Uyumpok, Pukhao and adjoining areas intercepted a vehicle carrying uniforms belonging to the cadres and set the uniforms on fire.
The Meira Paibis demanded that the cadres’ weapons be handed over to them for self-protection if the camp is to be shifted to another location.
Soon after news spread of the proposed relocation, several people, mostly women, blocked roads at Nongshum, Uyumpok, Pu-khao and nearby areas by placing tree branches and other heavy objects from early morning.
According to reports from the spot, a truck carrying uniforms of the outfit was stopped at Uyumpok Mamang Leikai around 11 am amid protests against the relocation move.
The protesters then seized the uniforms and burnt them on the road.
Speaking to the media, Heikrujam Malemkhombi, convenor of the women’s wing of Ireibak Kanba Lup (IKAL), said that residents of the Nongshum area have felt a sense of security since cadres of the 293rd Marjing Battalion (MPA) of the Pambei-led UNLF were stationed there.
Stating that the cadres should not be moved from the camp, she urged the Government not to proceed with any relocation.
She further said that the cadres of the Pambei-led UNLF have not committed any wrongdoing against members of any community since their deployment at Nongshum.
If the relocation of Pambei-led UNLF cadres is indeed necessary, adequate State security forces must be deployed at Nongshum, she said and that the cadres should not be moved until such arrangements are put in place.
She also demanded that the weapons of the cadres be handed over to them if the relocation is necessary.
Saying that Chief Minister Y Khemchand had given a verbal assurance that the camps of Pambei led UNLF at Nongshum and Phayeng would not be shifted until the situation in Manipur stabilises, she urged the Chief Minister to honour his word.
IKAL general secretary Sarangthem Romesh Meetei, said that it is the Meitei people of the Nongshum area who have been most affected by armed aggression of Kuki groups.
He also reminded that many people were killed in the Khamenlok in the initial stage of the conflict.
He cautioned that Kuki narco terrorists will attack the Meetei civilians again if the MPA cadres vacate the camp.
Romesh added that they have taken an appointment to meet the Chief Minister regarding the matter tomorrow.
IMPHAL, June 27: Tension erupted in Khundrakpam Constituency of Imphal East district today after an attempt was made to relocate the Pambei-led UNLF from its designated camp at Nongshum to another site in accordance with a Government order.
Angered by the move, local Meira Paibi activists from Nongshum, Uyumpok, Pukhao and adjoining areas intercepted a vehicle carrying uniforms belonging to the cadres and set the uniforms on fire.
The Meira Paibis demanded that the cadres’ weapons be handed over to them for self-protection if the camp is to be shifted to another location.
Soon after news spread of the proposed relocation, several people, mostly women, blocked roads at Nongshum, Uyumpok, Pu-khao and nearby areas by placing tree branches and other heavy objects from early morning.
According to reports from the spot, a truck carrying uniforms of the outfit was stopped at Uyumpok Mamang Leikai around 11 am amid protests against the relocation move.
The protesters then seized the uniforms and burnt them on the road.
Speaking to the media, Heikrujam Malemkhombi, convenor of the women’s wing of Ireibak Kanba Lup (IKAL), said that residents of the Nongshum area have felt a sense of security since cadres of the 293rd Marjing Battalion (MPA) of the Pambei-led UNLF were stationed there.
Stating that the cadres should not be moved from the camp, she urged the Government not to proceed with any relocation.
She further said that the cadres of the Pambei-led UNLF have not committed any wrongdoing against members of any community since their deployment at Nongshum.
If the relocation of Pambei-led UNLF cadres is indeed necessary, adequate State security forces must be deployed at Nongshum, she said and that the cadres should not be moved until such arrangements are put in place.
She also demanded that the weapons of the cadres be handed over to them if the relocation is necessary.
Saying that Chief Minister Y Khemchand had given a verbal assurance that the camps of Pambei led UNLF at Nongshum and Phayeng would not be shifted until the situation in Manipur stabilises, she urged the Chief Minister to honour his word.
IKAL general secretary Sarangthem Romesh Meetei, said that it is the Meitei people of the Nongshum area who have been most affected by armed aggression of Kuki groups.
He also reminded that many people were killed in the Khamenlok in the initial stage of the conflict.
He cautioned that Kuki narco terrorists will attack the Meetei civilians again if the MPA cadres vacate the camp.
Romesh added that they have taken an appointment to meet the Chief Minister regarding the matter tomorrow.