Kuki militants build bunkers, hoist flag
Source: The Sangai Express

Moirang, June 27 2023: Notwithstanding Union Home Minister Amit Shah's assurance that he would take care of the Kuki militants violating SoO ground rules, Kuki militants built new bunkers and hoisted 'Kuki flags' at Phougakchao Ikhai Awang Maning Leikai in Bishnupur district.

According to a late evening report from the police, Assam Rifles personnel removed the flag.

The Kuki militants built new bunkers in the homesteads of Tongbram family, just 300 metres away from Phougakchao Ikhai Awang Maning Leikai.

One villager said that the violent conflict which erupted on May 3 has not subsided a bit at Phougakchao area.

The area where the Tongbram family lives is very much part of Phougakchao Ikhai Awang Maning Leikai but Kuki militants hoisted their three-coloured flag embossed with the symbol of cross.

Kuki militants build bunkers, hoist flag

Even though Kuki militants were also seen catching and taking away fishes from the ponds of Meitei families, security forces deployed in the area just watched the Kuki militants silently, said the villager.

Around 40/50 militants were seen building bunkers and hoisting their flags at the Tongbram family compound today, he said.

Since Chief Minister N Biren came to Kwakta and assured that all unauthorised bunkers would be removed, Kuki militants have built five/six more bunkers at Phougakchao Ikhai area, he said.

Notably, the Tongbram family have already abandoned their home following repeated incidents of firing in their vicinity.

Of the seven houses belonging to the Tongbram family, Kuki militants had burnt down six houses.

The remaining house is being occupied by the Kuki militants and they (Kuki militants) built new bunkers at the house and hoisted their flag atop the house today, said the villager.

Decrying the security forces' inaction in the face of the Kuki militants' relentless aggression who are still occupying many Meitei houses, the local villagers have asked the authorities to give them weapons if the security forces do not dare face the Kuki militants.

"Give us weapons.

We will protect our village and homes.

We are ready to die for Manipur, if necessary", they said.