Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, April 08 2010:
The proscribed RPF has accused Assam rifles troops of desecrating the sacred abode of Ima Nongpok Panthoibi at Kwatha by forcibly occupying the sacred place.
Naming one MS Arunkumar, a Major of the Assam Rifles of desecrating the place of worship, a statement issued by RPF's Publicity secretary T Leishemba said: "At present, not only the said Force has forcibly occupied the abode of the Goddess which is also the sole PHSC of the village in the vicinity" .
Contending that repeated pleas to the Assam Rifles by the villagers to vacate the site is being reacted with intimidating gestures including threat to life and liberty of the villagers, Leishemba also alleged that the villagers are not allowed to carry out any economic activities such as agriculture and venturing out to jungles for daily essentials without their (AR) consent and permission.
In the name of counter insurgency operation and looking after border affairs the villagers are forcibly used as guides and bearers by this Indian Army force without any remuneration, he maintained and adding that villagers are not in a position to highlight their grievances for fear of reprisal from the Assam Rifles.
"Thus the right to expression of freedom of the villagers are compromised at the altar of arms.
The traditional right of access to forest products and agricultural activities enjoyed by the people of Kwatha had been denied by Major MS Arunkumar and his sub-ordinates putting into grave risk for the people leading a normal life
there" .
Though India claims itself to be a proponent of secularism and largest democracy what one witness here is nothing but continued desecration of sacred places of worship of the Manipuris through deployment of a large number of armed forces.
It was in the recent past that they are forced to leave sacred Kangla, having faced wrath of the people, recounted secretary of the banned outfit.
Continuing the tirade Leishemba asserted that occupation of the religious site in Kwatha is not an exception but the norm in Manipur as Indian army continue to forcibly occupy, desecrate and defile many places in the land which are related with the tradition, religion and culture of the Manipuri people.
"However what is more worrying and a matter of grave concern is the fate of the growing up girls of the Kwatha village as they may fall prey to the Indian army," he opined.