Eviction drive turns violent, many hurt
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 06 2022: A violent confrontation broke out over the dismantling of two houses at Kangchup Chiru Reserved Forest in Kangpokpi by the Forest Department today, during which many persons including one police personnel were injured.

It is reported that one resort newly constructed at Phayeng was also dismantled by the Forest officials today.

As per a notification issued by the Government, officials of the Forest Department carried out an eviction drive at Kangchup Chiru Reserved Forest and dismantled two houses as a part of its effort to consolidate and demarcate the boundaries of the notified forests of Manipur.

Reportedly, the State police have arrested six protes- ters including the village chief.

Eviction drive turns violent, many hurt

According to reports culled from the spot, the incident took place at around 10 am today.

As the Forest officials reached the area with a large number of security personnel, locals of Kangchup Chiru Village blocked the entry point of the village with boulders, tree branches etc, following which the locals led by the village chief held a talk with the officials.

The dialogue, however, ended inconclusive, following which the security personnel gave an ultimatum to open the entry point.

As the locals didn't heed to the direction given by the Government, the security personnel fired tear gas shells to disperse the protesters.

Not deterred by the actions of the security personnel, the Government ultimately used two JCB machines and dismantled the two houses.

It is reported that there were injuries on both sides as some security personnel were hit by stones pelted by the locals while some protesters were injured in the police actions.

The dismantled houses belonged to TR Finalson, s/o TR Renyson Thoi and TR Droibum, s/o TR Renyson.

From the Government side, it is said that the DFO Kangpokpi issued a notification on November 2 to remove the houses.

On the other hand, president of Kangchup Chiru Youth Club J Thonsing claimed that the Government didn't give any prior information to them about the eviction drive and the same was unfortunate.

He continued that the village authority has been urging the State Government to carry out a demarcation exercise at the village in the presence of the local people.

Saying that they the villagers protested against the eviction drive as the two houses were dismantled using force, he accused the State police of using brute force and firing smoke bombs and tear gas shells to disperse the protesters.

He said that at least eight locals of Kangchup Chiru sustained injuries in the process, of which three are getting treatment at RIMS.