AR's bid to build bunkers runs into opposition
Tense stand off ensues for hours
Source: The Sangai Express

Thoubal, August 04 2023: Assam Rifles' attempt to build bunkers on the paddy fields of Lourel Lambi, Kakching ran into stiff opposition from the local people, and the two sides were caught in a tense stand-off for several hours today.

According to the local people, Assam Rifles personnel stationed at Pallel made an attempt to build bunkers at Kakching Lourel near Laimanai foothills, just adjacent to the oil pump this morning.

As the local people sensed the Assam Rifles' intention, they raised strong objections to construction of bunkers in the area.

Even as the villagers asked the Assam Rifles personnel to abort their plan and go back, the AR personnel refused to leave the area, saying that they would wait for the arrival of their CO.

As the AR personnel waited for the arrival of their CO, more and more gathered at the site.

The AR personnel made another attempt to build bunkers in the area the previous evening too.

A short time later, the OC of Kakching police station and police commandos too arrived at the site.

Taking serious note of the situation, the police personnel made all attempts to avoid escalation of tension.

After a tense stand-off for several hours, the AR personnel packed up the materials they brought for construction of bunkers and started leaving the area.

Yet, the villagers stayed there and kept a close vigil.

Later, at around 3 pm, people of Kakching and adjoining places like Keirak, Wabagai, Irengband, Hawairou, Mairenbam, Khongjom and Langathek etc assembled and demanded removal of the Assam Rifles' bunker and check-post built at Kuraopokpi.

As they marched toward Pallel demanding removal of all bunkers, both new and old from Bijoypur, Laimanai and Unapal, they were stopped by a team of Assam Rifles at Bijoypur which has a bunker/check-post there.

In the meantime, the 26 Sector AR Brigadier stationed at Pallel arrived at the scene and tried to disperse the crowd by firing several rounds of tear gas shells.

The crowd, instead of running away, fired slingshots and pelted stones toward the AR personnel.

A tense stand-off unfolded between the two sides.

Two civilians sustained injuries in the confrontation.

Later, the Kakching SP arrived at the scene and persuaded the Assam Rifles personnel to stop firing tear gas shells.

The SP talked with the crowd and succeeded in mollifying the civilians to some extent.

Nonetheless, they demanded replacement of Assam Rifles with State forces at the Bijoypur and Laimanai Chingjin check-posts.

Saying that they would not go back until their demand was fulfilled, they sat down in the middle of the road and staged a protest demonstration.

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