Saibol is a fictitious name, says LKVVF
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 04 2025:
Saibol is a fictitious name invented by the Kukis recently, said Yumkhaibam Boshan, Commander in Chief of Lamlai Kendra Village Volunteer Force (LKVVF).
"Saibol" is a relatively new nomenclature that Kukis have floated deliberately to rename and misrepresent places which have existed since "our forefathers", he said.
Boshan made the statements addressing a press meet at Thamnapokpi today.
He reacted strongly against the economic blockade at Kangpokpi, and warned that a counter-blockade on the Imphal-Ukhrul route may be imposed.
Speaking to the media, Boshan said there has been a deliberate attempt to rename and misrepresent places including Thamnapokpi, Shantikhongbal, Sabungkhok Khunou, Yaingangpokpi, Sanasabi and Uyokching collectively as Saibol.
These places fall under Gwaltabi Reserve Forest, and there were only 7 settlements including a Tangkhul village in 1946, he said.
Even as the Indian Forest Act prohibits any settlements inside the reserve forest area, Saibol propped up much later with Kukis starting to settle in the area, he said, asking if the Government isn't aware of their settlement in the prohibited area.
On the other hand, the settlements of Yaingangpokpi and Thamnapokpi have existed since "our forefathers", and their existence were legitimised by an Act during the British, he said.
"The Government of India and the State Government must not listen or pay attention to the bogus claim of the Kukis who arrived here only yesterday.
We don't even know when they start referring to the place as Saibol," Boshan said.
Boshan asserted that there were only two villages--Chingdai-I and Chingdai-II in the area, but no Saibol.
Since May 3, 2023, the Meitei settlements in the foothills of this region have come under relentless attacks from Kuki terrorists using bombs, he said.
Late, but the situation in the region now has improved somewhat after deployment of Central security forces.
For this, the Lamlai Kendra Village Volunteer Force (LKWF) is thankful, he added.
Even as the presence of the Central security forces is crucial for controlling the delicate situation, unfortunately, there has been an attempt to remove the force which is highly unreasonable and unwarranted, he said.
"The Superintendent of Police of Kangpokpi district, after an agreement with CoTU (Committee on Tribal Unity) has allegedly stated that Central security forces in the region will be removed.
The LKVVF and the Meitei villages in the foothills strongly condemn the SP," Boshan said.
The presence of the security forces in the region is highly required, and the Government must ensure their presence for the safety and security of the people, he added.
On the economic blockade at Kangpokpi, Boshan said the Lamlai Kendra Village Volunteer Force (LKVVF) may impose a counter-blockade along Imphal-Ukhrul road if the blockade at Kangpokpi is not lifted.
Addressing the media, LKVVF's Medical in-charge W Birenkumar and Media Coordinator Oinam Okensana asserted that the Central security forces occupying Kukis' bunkers and positions must remain and shouldn't be removed.
Further, additional security forces must be deployed in all vulnerable and sensitive areas in the "Red Zone", they added.
"We have no problem coexisting with Kukis who have been here for years, but absolutely against any attempt to forcibly change demography and illegal infiltration from beyond the borders," they said.
"Coexistence, on the other hand, will not be possible unless the old Kukis take the responsibility to control Kuki infiltrators," they added.
Even though there have been fewer attacks on the Meitei settlements in the foothills, people are still unable to carry out their normal businesses and tend to their farms.
The Government must take up long term measures to secure peace in the region.
Security forces must be deployed in the region for a longer period to prevent future attacks from Kuki terrorists, they added.
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