VDF appeals
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, June 07 2023:
The Village Defence Force (VDF) has appealed to the Government to properly arm them with modern and sophisticated weapons to enable them to face Kuki militants effectively.
The appeal from the VDF came even as gun fights between security forces and Kuki militants continued in the periphery of the valley districts neighbouring Kuki dominated areas.
At Manipur Press Club today, All Manipur VDF Welfare Association's advisor, Deben Laishram said the VDF personnel are facing the [Kuki] militants in the frontline and they need modern arms to effectively defend the villages and the people.
The VDF personnel, in all districts, are facing the same hardships as police, commandos, MR and IRB personnel since May 3.As the militants are using sophisticated weapons in their offensive, the VDF personnel should be well armed and equipped, he said.
Expressing concern and sharing the pain of the victims of the present crisis, Deben said the militants and their supporters have burnt hundreds of houses, killed many innocent civilians and forced thousands of people to flee and seek shelter at relief camps.
He said the VDF feels there is need for unity and a collective effort to thwart all attempts of the militants to disintegrate Manipur and form a separate administration.
The VDF personnel should be armed adequately and encouraged, he said, adding if properly armed with modern weapons, they will be able to effectively and swiftly push back
the militants.