Torbung villagers yearn for peace, normal life
Source: The Sangai Express

Moirang, July 22 2024: Villagers of Torbung who are said to be the first victims of the Chin-Kuki-Zo aggression have been yearning for early return to a peaceful life.

Villagers of Torbung Sabal Mamang Leikai, located in the periphery of Bishnupur district bordering Churachandpur district have seen a new ray of hope after the Government issued an order for re-construction of some houses burnt down by Chin-Kuki-Zo militants.

Village volunteers of Torbung and a team of media persons today visited their deserted villages.

Following strong security measures taken up by Central forces, some families have already been settled at the village.

Torbung villagers yearn for peace, normal life

In line with the Government's order to re-construct burnt down houses, the village volunteers and the media team went to Torbung Sabal Mamang Leikai and made an assessment of the houses burnt down by Chin-Kuki-Zo militants.

Torbung Gram Panchayat Village Volunteer Force executive member Th Ramesh said that the Government released certain amounts to start re-construction of houses destroyed by Chin-Kuki-Zo militants.

Recently, the Government initiated the necessary process to start re-construction of five other houses, he said before conveying gratitude to the Govt for the same.

So far, 20 families have returned to Torbung Sabal Mamang Leikai.

Further, the Government has sanctioned re-construction of 30 houses under Torbung Gram Panchayat, Ramesh said.

He then appealed to the Government to initiate necessary procedures for re-construction of the other houses burnt down by armed Kukis and resettlement of all the displaced people.

Even though Manipur is slowly limping back to normalcy, some social media users seem to be scheming to stir fresh unrest.

Such activities proved to be a serious setback to all attempts of the displaced people to resettle and go back to their normal life, he said.

The village volunteer also appealed to all the MPs representing Manipur to raise the State's crore issues in the Parliament and work collectively to bring peace and normalcy at the earliest.

Yumnam Ibopishak of Torbung Sabal Mamang Leikai said that he and his family have been taking refuge in the home of a relative after armed Kukis burnt down their house on May 3, 2023 .

"Now I see a ray of hope on learning that the Government has sanctioned re-construction of my house together with some others", Ibopishak said.

Oinam (ongbi) Aparna who has resettled at Torbung Sabal Mamang Leikai and is running a shop said that they took shelter at different places after armed Kuki attacked their village on May 3, 2023 before finally finding refuge in the relief camp opened at Moirang Okshongbung.

"In between, we went to see our house and we found some Kukis occupying our house", Aparna said.

After more than one year, Aparna and her family have resettled at their home.

"With Central forces protecting the village, we don't feel any fear.

It would be gratifying if our neighbours too come back", she said.

"When we went back to our home after a gap of more than one year, most of the household articles had been stolen by Kukis.

"Even though our house was not burnt down, it suffered substantial damages but the house has been repaired with the help of volunteers", she added.