Initiate judicial probe : PAPPM
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 02 2023: The People's Alliance for Peace and Progress Manipur (PAPPM) has demanded judicial enquiry into the conspiracy of violence and arson in Churachandpur and Tuibong on April 27 and 28 .

In a statement, PAPPM claimed that the the recent violent agitation by certain tribal groups in Churachandpur exposes the disease Manipur, especially Churachandpur district, is suffering from.

Claiming that the agitators destroyed public as well as private properties for not allowing new settlements inside protected forest areas, the Alliance alleged that people started settling at K Sonjang Village which was evicted in February 2023 only recently.

Further stating that agitators burned the banner which has the photos of Chief Minister N Biren Singh and Prime Minister Narendra Modi and hurled abusive language, PAPPM added that many police personnel sustained injuries while controlling the agitators.

Asking how an eviction of 15 houses which allegedly encroached on the protected forest area triggered such violent agitations, PAPPM claimed that agitations could not have been possible without the support of groups with vested interest.

"The agitations were orchestrated by a group of powerful people who had been indulging in poppy plantation, drug smuggling and deforestation for years," PAPPM claimed.

PAPPM went on to allege that poppy plantation is widespread at Churachandpur-Khoupum Protected Forest areas.

Claiming further that the agitations seen in Churachandpur HQ and Tuibong area were to discourage the Government from taking up action against poppy plantation and the resulting deforestation, PAPPM reasoned that people who have been settling inside the Churachandpur-Khoupum Protected Forest before the declaration of it as a protected forest can settle inside the forest and there is no question of evicting the genuine forest settlers.

Eviction is a common occurrence in various parts of the State as a section of people habitually encroach upon the public land, PAPPM alleged.

Asking the people of Manipur to not blame an entire community for the agitations at Churachandpur and Tuibong areas, PAPPM continued that various communities residing in the State should live harmoniously together to build a progressive Manipur.

"However, we cannot let those who conspired to carry out the agitations and arson scot free for the sake of a peaceful and progressive Manipur," it said and urged the Government of Manipur to start a judicial enquiry and identify culprits involved to take up legal actions.

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