MYF condemns threats
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 21 2016:
Meitei Youth Front (MYF) has strongly condemned
the alleged frequent harassments meted out to Itham
villagers by KNF (N) cadres operating in the area.
Speaking at a press conference held at Manipur Press Club,
MYF president Ng Mangal said that a JAC for the villagers
residing from Nongbram to Tumukhong has been formed
against the alleged threats given to Itham villagers today.
He further said that after Assam Rifles and BSF personnel
who guarded Itham village returned to their respective posts
last evening, suspected KNF (N) cadres opened some rounds
of firing at Itham Maning Leikai today morning.
The outfit has been demanding the villagers to pay Rs 10
lakhs for the weapon which had been seized by BSF and
Lamlai police at the time of arrest of one of their cadres on
January 16.
KNF (N) also asked the villagers to bear all the expenses
of the cadre's release as well, Mangal said.
Mangal said that the KNF (N) had threatened that no Itham
villager would be allowed to come to the hill in search of their
livelihood until and unless the demands are fulfilled.
He further said that soon after getting information about the
incident, a team of MYF rushed to the village and interacted
with the villagers.
The villagers were found terrified by the constant threats of
KNF (N), he said.
He urged the State Government to bring a solution to the
issue before the matter goes out of hand.
Further, Mangal suggested the Government to immediately
deploy an IRB battalion at Itham village considering the prevailing
tense situation.
Urging both the sides to resolve the issue at the earliest,
MYF said that they are ready to hold talks with KNF (N) on
the matter.
It may be mentioned that one KNF cadre was arrested
along with one AK rifle by a combined team of BSF and
Lamlai police on January 16 .