Sit-ins protest move to pull out Gorkha Regiment (GR)
Source: Chronicle News Service
Bishnupur, May 14 2024:
Sit-in protests were staged by womenfolk at different parts of Oinam assembly constituency including at Leimaram Waroiching, Irengbam, Keinou and Ngaikhong Khunou on Tuesday denouncing the government's plan to withdraw 5/9 Gorkha Regiment (GR) from Leimaram Waroiching and replacing them with Assam Rifles.
Speaking to media persons on the sidelines of the sit-in at Irengbam Maning Makha Leikai community hall, a meira paibi activist categorically contended that the locals do hot believe that the AR would protect them as and when attacked by armed Kukis.
Accusing the AR troopers of turning a blind eye when Kuki militants attacked, burnt and looted Meetei houses in Torbung area during the initial days of the ethnic conflict, she said their objection to deployment of AR in Leimaram Waroiching area is primarily centred on lack of trust.
The meira paibi activist also mentioned that troops of 5/9 GR routinely patrol the area from Leimaram Waroiching till Ngaikhong Khunou and provide security to Meetei people settling near the foothills.
Similarly, speaking to media persons at Keinou Thongthak Thongkha and Ngaikhong Khunou at Koubru Laibung community hall, women protestors asserted that the villagers will fiercely oppose any attempt of the government to replace 5/9 GR with AR.
If the government continues to ignore public demand and sentiment in effecting its decision then it should bear the responsibility of any untoward incident, she cautioned.
Meanwhile, a similar protest demonstration was staged by locals at Saiton Heigaikon and Wathalambi under Phougakchao Ikhai police station against removal of central armed police forces from the area.