Many return home at Borayangbi; Kuki man found occupying house at Torbung
Source: The Sangai Express

Bishnupur, October 24 2023: After spending months in relief camps, at least 1,442 people who fled for their lives in attacks carried out by Kukis have returned to their homes at Kumbi's Borayangbi Panchayat area in Bishnupur district.

The 1,442 people include 231 residents of Pombikhok 231, 98 of Chandonpokpi, 97 of Chairel Thoubaltabi, 89 of Leingangtabi, 280 of Mangjing, 101 of Khoijumantabi, 292 of Laingoubi and 137 of Khullakpat.

On the other hand, three persons who visited their homes at Torbung Ward No 4 to prepare for their families' return had a surprise encounter with a Kuki man today.

The man reportedly threatened the people with a knife.

Many return home at Borayangbi; Kuki man found occupying house at Torbung

The incident happened at around 11.30 am at Torbung Mamang Leikai when Oinam Shyamsunder, his wife Oinam Aparna and their neighbour Khundrakpam Suresh went to cut overgrown grasses and clean their houses.

They abandoned their homes and fled for their lives amid the heightened tension between the Meiteis and Kukis between May and July.

Their houses were not burnt in the conflict, but many bore bullet holes due to firing by armed Kuki men and militants.

Even as they returned home, Kumbi AC MLA S Premchandra inspected the houses damaged in the firing by armed Kuki men and militants.

During the inspection, the MLA spoke to elders, men and women and heard about their grievances.

Kumbi Circle SDC and other officials of various Departments accompanied the MLA during the inspection visit.

The MLA and the Government officials interacted with the people at Pombikhok and Chairel Mangjing Keithel.

MLA Premchandra said the visit was made to inspect and conduct a survey about the damages that have been done to houses and properties of the residents of Borayangbi GP area.

The MLA said similar inspections will be conducted at Napat and Tangjeng villages where houses were burnt down during the conflict.

Families who have suffered losses of lives and properties during the conflict will be compensated by the Government, he added.

While returning from the visit, the MLA met COCOMI leader Jitendra Ningomba at Sagang Keithel.

The MLA and Jitendra Ningomba talked about the grievances of the survivors and the need of the hour to address their plight.

Meanwhile, three persons who visited their homes at Torbung Ward No 4 to prepare for their families' return had a surprise encounter with a Kuki man today.

The man reportedly threatened the people with a knife.

The incident happened at around 11.30 am at Torbung Mamang Leikai when Oinam Shyamsunder, his wife Oinam Aparna and their neighbour Khundrakpam Suresh went to cut overgrown grasses and clean their houses.

The three are presently staying at Okshongbung Upper Primary School relief camp.

They first took the permission from the security personnel posted at Torbung to visit their houses.

Shyamsunder and his wife Aparna went inside their house and Suresh was about to enter his house when he saw a Kuki man at the house of his neighbour, Sandam Naba.

The Kuki man took out a knife and started walking towards Suresh.

Suresh immediately shouted for help from Shyamsunder and his wife, after which the Kuki man ran away.

Personnel of Kumaon Regiment and police were informed about the incident.

However, the Kuki man was not found, said Suresh.

How the Kuki man was able to enter the Meitei settlement despite the presence of the security forces in the area is a mystery, Suresh said.

People have started to return to their homes at Torbung.

However, the encounter with the Kuki man today has cast doubt about security and safety of the locals, he added.