Villagers oppose plan to drive out MPA cadres of Pambei led UNLF
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, February 18 2024: The locals of Pukhao-Nongshum areas in Imphal have taken an unanimous decision to stand against any attempt to remove MPA cadres of Pambei led UNLF from their area.

The resolution was taken during a joint meeting of different clubs, organisations and Meira Paibi lups of Khundrakpam and Lamlai constituencies held at Pukhao Community Hall today.

The locals said that MPA cadres have been assisting the village volunteers in defending Meitei villages of the areas from the onslaught of Kuki militants.

Speaking to the media after the meeting which was attended by hundreds of people, a Meira Paibi leader of Nongshum said that Kukis have killed several Meiteis in the foothill areas of Imphal East and Kangpokpi and razed five villages to the ground since the violence broke out on May 3 last year.

Saying that the Meiteis didn't anticipate the sadistic campaign of Kukis and as such they were caught off guard, she said that MPA cadres of Pambei led UNLF came to Pukhao and Nongshum areas to defend the lives and properties of innocent people at the request of the villagers.

She went on to state that one Meitei was killed in the recent attack of Kuki militants at Pukhao Shantipur.

Saying that Central forces didn't do anything when Kuki militants attacked them, she said that it was the MPA cadres who prevented the Kuki militants from killing Meitei civilians and torching houses at Pukhao Shantipur areas in the recent gunfights which continued for a couple of days.

She further said that they won't accept the warning of Assam Rifles to remove the bunkers of MPA under any circumstances.

She went on to state that the place where MPA cadres have been camping is the same area which the locals requested the Central forces to stay in to ensure their safety.

Saying that many displaced people have started returning to Pukhao Nongshum and adjacent villages after reposing faith in MPA cadres, she said that Assam Rifles serving an ultimatum for the MPA cadres to vacate the area is unacceptable.

Does Assam Rifles want the massacre of more Meiteis?, she asked.

Asking if the Assam Rifles were serving the ultimatum at the behest of Kuki militants, she said that the conduct of the paramilitary force is highly questionable.

She also asked the IGAR (East) to withdraw its ultimatum.

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