Displaced folks from Dolaithabi yearn for homes
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 11 2023:
Expressing their aspiration to return home, displaced folks from Dolaithabi have appealed to the State Government to rebuild their houses in their hometown itself.
Speaking to media persons during a press conference held at Manipur Press Club today, Puthem Muhindro on behalf of Dolaithabi Village Development Committee (DDC), shared that the village which is located in close proximity of the Dolaithabi Barrage is populated by around 139 people comprising of 35 'yumnak' (surname).
He added that Kuki militants torched the village four times since the eruption of violence on May 3, causing the villagers to flee to various relief camps for their lives.
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Desperate to catch a glimpse of the remains of their burnt homes, when the villagers requested to visit Dolaithabi, they were allegedly prevented from doing so by 18 AR on the grounds that the bridge atop the Dolaithabi Barrage is in a buffer zone.
Strongly condemning the act, Puthem Muhindro demanded withdrawal of 18 AR and stationing of State forces in their place.
Further, he accused the Kuki militants of taking ownership of the domesticated animals left behind by the villagers such as cows, pigs, chickens etc and the AR personnel of not posing any objections and remaining as mere spectators.
He also placed blame on the State Government for their lack of effort to monitor the Kuki militants who are reportedly acting as per their whims in areas where they have burnt down Meitei villages and homes.
Adding that Dolaithabi village is not adjacent to any village, with the nearest Kuki village being roughly 3/4 kms away, he urged the State Government to rebuild their homes in their hometown.
He also appealed for deployment of State forces in the village to protect the residents or at least permission from the Government to allow local village volunteers to guard the village in case the Government is unable to provide security arrangements for the people.