BSF cannot go but no room for AR line rings out
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 15 2024: While Kwatha villagers in Tengnoupal blocked roads to keep the Border Security Force (BSF) from leaving, people at Kakching prevented the Assam Rifles from occupying an IFCD's Inspection Bungalow (IB) near Keirak Sekmai Barrage today.

At Kwatha village, womenfolk sat in the middle of the road and blocked the path of the BSF, who were recently ordered to move and relocate by the Government.

Notably, Kwatha villagers have been staging protests against the order since the last few days.

The villagers have asserted that the presence of the Border Security Force in their area is crucial for their security and maintaining peace amid the ongoing conflict between the Meiteis and the Kukis.

Meanwhile in Kakching district, a large number of people, mainly womenfolk from all sides converged near Keirak Sekmai Barrage and prevented a convoy of the Assam Rifles from occupying IFCD's Inspection Bungalow.

Reports said the personnel were of the 33 Assam Rifles Lilong post, and were coming to occupy the IFCD's IB.

Meira Paibis of Kakching, Keirak, Wabagai and adjoining areas thronged the streets in protest and forced the AR to turn back.

Women who took part in the protest said they prevented the AR from occupying the IB because they don't trust them.

"When violence first erupted in May 2023, the Assam Rifles, which had several thousand personnel in Moreh and Churachandpur didn't do much to save the Meitei people and their houses.

They had remained as mute spectators when Kukis burnt down Meitei houses and attacked civilians.

We don't trust them," said a woman.

Another asserted that the AR acted in a biased nature during the conflict.

"There have been photographs of AR personnel occupying the same bunkers with Kuki militants.

They haven't so far taken any action against Kuki militants," she said.

If the AR continue the attempt to occupy the IFCD's IB near Sekmai Barrage, the people of the region will launch intense agitation.

People may ban free movement of the AR in areas under Kakching district, said the women protesters.

Kakching SDPO AK Premjit and OC T Rameshwor rushed to the spot and pacified the women to avoid unwanted incidents.

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