Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, April 21:
The Thanlon Village Authority has submitted a memorandum to the Governor urging him to provide at least one Bn of security personnel at the place to quell the rising activities of militant groups.
Decrying the withdrawal of security personnel from the sub-division, the memorandum said that on April 9, a gun battle raged on between two rival militant groups at Thanlon bazar for two hours killing one and leaving a trail of destruction.
A good number of civilians were also injured, said the villagers.
The main Government godown at the SDO's office complex was burnt down while three dwelling houses also met the same fate, said the memorandum.
A 13 year old girl identified as Niangmuanching daughter of Th Khailam received a bullet injury on the left leg during the cross fire, said the memorandum.
The office of the DC did not have any information about the incident when inquired on April 12, said the villagers adding that they were told that an incident had occurred at Dialkhai village.
Since 1997 militants and armed miscreants have been at large at Thanlon area, said the memorandum adding that Tipaimukh road (NH-150) and Singnat-Sinzawl road are infested with militants.
However the State Government has done nothing to check the activities of the militants, said the memorandum and added that instead of deploying security personnel, the Government has withdrawn all the security posts and police stations from the sub-division.
Maintaining that the situation is deteriorating by the day, the memorandum urged the Governor to step in and ensure the deployment of adequate troops at the sub-division so that the people may live peacefully and pursue their economic activities.