Selective seizure of arms poser raised
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 21 2023:
Troops of Assam Rifles impounded three guns from the villagers of Kanto Sabal, located close to the Red Shield Division Headquarters of Leimakhong.
The villagers have been guarding the village round the clock from possible attack by armed Kukis.
AR troops impounded three guns from the villagers of Kanto Sabal Ingourok Chingmang last night.
According to information culled from the spot, one round of bullet was fired from a Kuki village located close to the cantonment town of Leimakhong at around 10 pm yesterday.
In response, Kanto Sabal villagers who were keeping a tight vigil fired a bullet in the air.
The next moment, six rounds were fired one after another from some villages located next to Leimakhong.
Some time later, AR troops who were stationed at Kanto Sabal Ingourok ground by opening a check-gate went to both directions and carried out search operations.
Even though there was no report of seizure of guns from the Kuki villages, AR troops impounded three double-barrel shotguns from the villagers of Kanto Sabal, sources informed.
The three guns were returned to the Kanto Sabal Village Development Committee this morning.
The AR troops also asked the Kanto Sabal villagers to refrain from opening fire.
The troops assured that befitting action would be taken up against the party/village which first opens fire.
They further instructed that they may open fire only when outsiders intrude into their village.
On the other hand, a tense situation broke out at Tairenpokpi, Imphal West district after a herdsman was arrested by CRPF along with a gun.
Armed with a licensed gun, Ningthoujam Chinglen (34) s/o Yangei of Tairenpokpi Ching led out a group of cattle to a nearby field yesterday.
Considering the prevailing situation, Chinglen took the licensed gun with him for self defence.
However, as he could not produce the license immediately, he was arrested by CRPF troops and handed over to police.
On learning about the arrest of Chinglen, local Meira Paibis marched to the CRPF camp and produced the gun license.
Later, Chinglen was released along with his gun.
Meanwhile, Khurkhul and surrounding areas have been deprived of potable water after armed Kukis destroyed the steel water pipeline of Khurkhul Water Supply Scheme at six points on May 4.A major pipeline which connects Leimakhong to Kangchup has also been destroyed.
Workers/labourers who would repair the pipelines are willing to take risks as most of them happen to be Meiteis, said the sources.
On the other hand, residents of Leimakhong Chingmang are now taking shelter at Kanto Sabal.
Around 200 people are taking shelter at a relief camp opened at Kanto Sabal.