Efforts on to bring normalcy in Moreh
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, August 19 2015: Main market in the violence-hit border town of Moreh in Chandel district is still strewn with broken properties everywhere in the aftermath of Tuesday's incident that occurred during a public peace rally which was organised by different organizations demanding the implementation of Inner Line Permit System (ILPS) in Manipur.

On Wednesday, representatives of different civil society groups held a joint meeting in Moreh, which was also attended by ministers and Government officials.

The meeting took several resolutions to avoid further violence and bring normalcy in the border town.

Efforts on to bring normalcy in Moreh

As part of the ILPS movement, the protest rally was jointly organised by All Manipur Students' Union (AMSU), Nupi Khunai Chaokhat Lup and Kha Nongpok Apunba Nupi Lup.

Several houses and shops were destroyed and looted during the incident.

Properties were set ablaze by the attackers who were opposing the peace rally.

Hapless Moreh residents expressed unhappiness with the Manipur Police personnel and a team of 11 Assam Rifles who were on duty at Moreh market when the violent incident occurred.

They condemned the security forces for allegedly failing to control mob violence.

The residents said those who were opposing the rally pelted stones on the demonstrators, destroyed properties and fired several rounds of live bullets in the frenzy.

The security forces did not try to prevent the situation, they claimed.

Police on Wednesday morning tried to clean the Moreh market strewn with damaged properties, but they were stopped by the residents in protest, sources said.

Several offices including that of AMSU and Moreh Meitei Council and ACODOM were among the structures destroyed by the armed mob.

A joint meeting of United Committee Manipur (UCM), All Manipur Clubs' Organisation (AMUCO), Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), Hill Tribal Council (HTC), AMSU, ACODOM and MCM was held at the Trade Centre, Moreh.

The meeting was also attended by Works Minister Dr Kh Ratankumar, Tengnoupal MLA D Korungthang, IFCD Minister Ngamthang Haoklip, Chandel Deputy Commissioner and Superintendant of Police.

The meeting condemned the incident and resolved that the Manipur Government must pay compensation to the victims for the loss of properties.

It resolved that prior information be given to all communities in the Moreh town for any public agitation and all groups in the town must work together to avoid further violence in future.

The meeting further decided that an inquiry be conducted into the public anger against police over the violent incident.

It also decided to seek a clarification from the Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System (JCILPS) as to whether the Kukis are foreigners in the State.

Finally, the further resolved to bring normalcy in Moreh.