Imphal, July 24: In sync with their fervent appeal for full and permanent relaxation of the restrictions imposed upon the people of Heirok by the KYKL and UNLF, the people of Heirok have urged the Government to replace SPOs with State force so that there can be a solution agreeable to all concerned.

The Heirok JAC and civil organisations have also appealed to the Government to retract the initiative of establishing SPO so that the people of Heirok can lead a peaceful and secured life.

After the lapse of the 10 days period during which restrictions imposed upon Heirok people by the two UG groups were relaxed, the Heirok JAC submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister today.

The memorandum gave a detailed account of the woes being endured by Heirok people.

Rather than enjoying peace, the people of Heirok have been facing insecurity and threats.

As such, the woes of the people has been multiplying and in fact they have been caught between the deep sea and devil, it stated.

Maintaining that the people of Heirok have never committed any wrong on anybody, the JAC appealed to all UG groups concerned to lift their restrictions for good and make arrangements so that the people of Heirok can live in peace without any kind of exploitation.

Recalling that the enraged Heirok people demanded weapons for self-defence after two girls and a youth were shot dead besides blinding another girl by the proscribed PREPAK in March this year at a Thabal Chongba venue as there was no sort of protection for common people either from insurgent groups or the Government, the JAC contended that the Government's refusal to convert SPOs into State force was responsible for the present predicament.

Appealing to the Government to work out an arrangement under which an amicable solution acceptable to all concerned parties can be brought, the JAC decried that all its 12 demands except for regular electric supply and establishment of IRB outposts, all remained unfulfilled.

Out of 300 solar lamps demanded, 100 have been approved.

Till date, 70 solar lamps have been put up and put on service.

Although 24 mike sets have been sanctioned, people have not received any of them, mentioned the memorandum.

On the other hand, a joint meeting of the Senior Citizen Forum Heirok, People's Organisation for Civil Integrity and Liberties Heirok and the Nupi Khunai Apunba Lup held yesterday appealed to the Government to drop the initiative of creating SPOs and to make Heirok a peaceful place.

Accusing the Government of sidelining the real wish of the youths of Heirok when they demanded guns for self-defence by going for establishment of SPOs directly with monthly emoluments of just Rs 3000 and no other benefits usually entitled to Government employees, the meeting decided to appeal to the Government not to make SPOs scapegoats.

They also raised strong objections against turning Heirok a battle field.

Contending that the youths of Heirok were taken away forcibly in police vehicles in a hurried manner when the people of Heirok have already rejected creation of SPOs, they appealed for absorption of SPOs in State force while highlighting the possible threats and challenges that may come in the life of a SPO.

They also appealed to UG groups concerned to lift their restrictions for good so that students of Heirok can pursue their studies at peace.

Saying that the prevailing situation in Heirok would have severe impacts in the society as a whole, the meeting also decided to seek cooperation and active participation of all civil organisations in bringing a permanent solution to the existing issue.