Pukhao protesters suspect SoO groups-Govt nexus
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, November 13 2022:
The denizens of four 'Pana' of Pukhao area have raised posers on whether the cadres of groups which have signed the Suspension of Operation (SoO) but continuing to tax the civilians near Saikul police station are doing so with the approval of the government.
Denouncing the attempt to include areas of Imphal East district under the jurisdiction Kangpokpi district, various local bodies and organisations of Pukhao Naharup Pana, Ahallup Pana, Khabam Pana and Laipham Pana staged a sit-in protest at Pukhao Ahallup community hall, Imphal East district on Sunday.
During the sit-in, the protestors held placards inscribed with the slogans like "We object forceful land takeover by SoO groups", "Old name of places cannot be replaced", and "Set up a Boundary Commission to resolve land disputes between Kangpokpi and Imphal East district".
Speaking on the sidelines, Village Development Committee Pukhao Naharup general secretary Naorem Nageshwar Meitei expressed regret that communal harmony in Pukhao has been disturbed after a community laid claim that Uyok Ching is under Kangpokpi district as per the decision of Manipur Durbar and renamed the area into Sadar Hills region.
The denizens of Pukhao are not preventing anyone from carrying out trade but it is questionable to see SoO cadres collecting tax from innocent civilians in full public view near the Saikul police station.
Questioning inaction of the police on the matter, Nageshwor called for assessing whether the government had given its nod to the SoO groups to tax innocent civilians in addition to paying the monthly stipend.
The SoO cadres are already threatening passersby from getting anywhere near their camp, he claimed and urged for formulation of policy for SoO cadres.