Jiri folks get AR to remove barbed wires
Source: The Sangai Express / Jiri News Network

Jiribam, June 12 2024: Amid the tense situation in Jiribam, Assam Rifles has been accused of psychologically intimidating the people by setting up multiple bunkers and erecting barbedwires at Raniveng under Chandrapur Ward no 7 in the border district.

Notably, Jiribam has been on the boil since June 6 last after a Meetei civilian Soibam Sarakkumar (59) was killed by suspected Kuki militants and the subsequent attacks on several Meetei villages in the border district.

Meetei families at Raniveng said that erecting multiple barbedwires by the Assam Rifles has made them even more restless.

Jiri folks get AR to remove barbed wires

Taking into account the sentiments of the people, a team of Government officials led by Jiribam SP Maharabam Pradip Singh and Commanding Officer of 39 Assam Rifles Akash Kumar removed the barbedwires and the bunkers at around 11.30 am today after monitoring the condition at the village (Raniveng) General secretary of BJP Manipur K Sarat Kumar Singh, volunteers of Ehou Yaka Shang Club (EYSC) and locals were also present in assessing the situation at Raniveng.

After removing the structures, a meeting was convened at the office of Jiribam SP during which an agreement was reached to let Assam Rifles, CRPF and Manipur police stand guard at Chandrapur Ward no 7 together.

CO of 39 Assam Rifles Akash Kumar also assured that the paramilitary won't engage in any activity which will unnecessarily make the civilians uncomfortable.

He, however, advised the locals of Raniveng to stay at their respective houses.

About the claim that United Tribal Liberation Army chairman SK Thadou is at Raniveng, Akash Kumar said that the person (SK Thadou) is a surrenderee and is not involved in the SoO agreement.

To convince the locals that SK Thadou is not at Raniveng, the CO of 39 Assam Rifles dialled him (SK Thadou) and talked with him in front of them (the locals) .

The meeting ended after discussing a series of demands which were raised by EYSC and local meira paibi lups yesterday.

It may be mentioned that Jiribam police and Assam Rifles intervened to remove the barbedwires and the bunkers after a joint meeting of Ehou Yaka Shang Club (EYSC), Chandrapur Meira Paibi Lup (CMLP) and local elders was held yesterday and some resolutions were adopted against alleged militarisation at Raniveng.

The resolutions were to urge the Government to remove the barbedwires installed at Raniveng and to not let the Assam Rifles stop the Meetei families from staying at their respective villages.

The meeting also unanimously agreed to demand withdrawal of Assam Rifles from Raniveng and let other Central or State forces guard the village (Raniveng) .

SK Thadou, chairman of United Tribal Liberation Army (UTLA) should not be allowed to stay at Raniveng, said another resolution.

They said that the resolutions adopted would be submitted to Chief Minister N Biren Singh, local MLA, Jiribam DC and SP and general secretary of BJP Manipur K Sarat Kumar Singh.