Sit-ins decry SSB pullout, AR deployment
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, May 15 2024: Meira paibis staged sit-in demonstration at the gate of Ningthoukhong Project to protest move for replacing SSB personnel station at Shantipur Ward No 2 with other central forces.

Speaking to reporters at the sidelines of the demonstration organised by Ningthoukhong Protection Committee on Wednesday, Committee secretary M Rajen Singh declared that if the government is unable to safeguard life and property, the people will take matters into their own hands and face threats posed by adversary elements.

He called for an end to frequent relocation of security forces assigned to protect the public.

He also said that the SSB personnel deployed in Shantipur should be replaced by state forces and not by other central forces.

If the state government tries to force its will on the public, it would be held responsible for any untoward incidents arising thereof, he declared, adding that a memorandum in this regard will be submitted to the chief minister, local MLA works minister Govindas Konthoujam, Bishnupur SP and DC and Loktak police station.

Meanwhile, merai paibi also staged sit-in protest at Irengbam Awang Leikai community hall against the decision of the government to replace 5/9 Gorkha Regiment stationed at Waroiching by personnel of Assam Rifles.

In Kakching district, a convoy from the 33 Assam Rifles Lilong post faced stiff resistance from meira paibi of Keirak, Wabagai, Hiyanglam and Kakching on Wednesday en route to establish a new post at the Inspection Bungalow (IB) of the Water Resources Department in Keirak.

Following the objection raised, the AR personnel pulled back but told the women protesters to return and settle in Keirak regardless of opposition.

Upon receiving report of the stand-off, Kakching SDPO Akoijam Premjit and Kakching police station OC T Rameshwar arrived at the scene to pacify the protesting Meira Paibi.

Addressing reporters on the sidelines, the protesters conveyed their willingness to accept deployment of state forces in the area.

However, citing past mistreatment of the Meeteis allegedly by the Assam Rifles, they expressed lack of trust in the Assam Rifles.

Consequently, they blocked the AR convoy from accessing the Keirak IB, and cautioned of undesired situation in the Assam Rifles attempts to force their way.

They also hinted at the possibility of restricting movement of Assam Rifles in the entire Kakching district.

It may be mentioned that Keirak Apunba Meira Paibi Lup had submitted a memorandum to Kakching DC urging not to deploy any other central force including the Assam Rifles but only state forces at Keirak IB .

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