We defend with licensed guns, say volunteers in Kpi
Source: The Sangai Express
Kangpokpi, June 12 2023:
A leader of the 'village volunteers' in Gangpijang village under Saikul Assembly Constituency has claimed that they guard and defend their villages, land and people with licensed guns, thus denying use of any sophisticated weapons as otherwise claimed.
Gangpijang village is located in the peripheral area of Saikul AC under Kangpokpi district, around 7 km away from the sub-divisional headquarters.
The leader continued that they have no sophisticated weapons and bear no connection with any militant groups or organizations as alleged by the Meitei community.
Rebuffing allegations of attacking Meitei villages, he said they never attacked but were merely defending their land and people with their licensed guns.
Further denying involvement of any militant outfits, he maintained that it was the Meiteis who attacked them.
He also said that since their village is located in the peripheral area, volunteers from various surrounding and adjoining areas have rendered their help and stayed up on roster duty to guard the village.
All the gunmen are in possession of their gun licenses, he added.
Meanwhile, Saikul AC is reportedly one of the worst violence hit areas in the district.
As many as 69 villages in the sub-division have been burned down to date.
Following the eruption of violence on May 3, more than 41 relief camps were set up to shelter roughly 4200 Internally Displaced Persons in Saikul AC.
A committee comprising finance, defence, media and security, medical and sanitation, relief committee, data management and stock in charge, external affairs, transportation, hospitality, FIR-related and ambulance committee was also formed under the aegis of Kuki Inpi Saikul Gamkai to monitor and manage the situation, relief camps, and Internally Displaced Persons in the sub-division.