Deployment at State forces at Moreh runs to stiff objection
Source: The Sangai Express

Kangpokpi, July 31 2023: Protest demonstrations were held across the Kuki domi-nated areas today against the attempt of the Government to deploy additional State forces at Moreh.

Not only in Tengnoupal, several Kukis came out on the streets in Kangpokpi and Churachandpur against the attempt of the Manipur Government to deploy additional State forces at Moreh and demanded complete removal of State forces from the border town.

In Kangpokpi, a massive sit-in-protest was organized under the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) Sadar Hills.

Similar demonstration was also held in Chura-chandpur under Indigenous Tribal Leader's Forum (ITLF) .

CoTU claimed that deploying additional State forces at Moreh would be life-threatening to Kukis and urged the Centre to remove all State security forces from the border town by 6 pm of July 31 .

It warned that a series of public agitations would be launched across the Kuki dominated areas if their demands were not entertained.

The CoTU's sit-in-protest in Kangpokpi was staged to extend solidarity to the Kuki people of Tengnoupal, specially the womenfolk who prevented the State security forces from entering the border town since July 26 .

Hundreds of Kuki people, mostly women, took part in the sit-in protests across Kangpokpi.

The protesters held placards with inscriptions such as "Remove Commando from Moreh" and others.

The protesters also raised their voices in unison with slogans such as "We Want Centre Intervention", "Implement Separate Adminis- tration" etc.

CoTU's general secretary Lamminlun Singsit said that N Biren Singh led Manipur Government's attempt to deploy additional State forces at Moreh "will only invite more violence".

He further said that N Biren Singh is interfering in the law and order of hill districts despite the Union Home Minister's directive to the Chief Minister to look after the affairs of the valley.

CoTU also submitted a representation to the Union Home Minister through Kangpokpi Deputy Commissioner.

The representation said that the State Government has been attempting to deploy additional State forces at Moreh against the alleged assurances given by the Union Home Minister that no State forces would be stationed at Moreh.

CoTU also accused the State security forces of openly supporting the Meiteis in the ongoing conflict.

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