CoTU decries, suspects security lapses
Source: Chronicle News Service
Kpi, January 05 2024:
Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), Sadar Hills alleged that the five houses which caught fire on January 4 evening at New Lambulane in Imphal were torched by a mob and questioned efficiency of the central paramilitary forces deployed there.
Decrying the incident, general secretary Lamminlun Singsit said that CoTU is perturbed that central forces deployed in New Lambulane area let loose the antagonistic mob to freely commit such horrendous acts under their very nose.
Expressing deep resentment against the latest act of mob violence in the heart of Imphal city, Lamminlun said that around five houses belonging to Kuki-Zo community at New Lambulane, one of oldest Kuki settlements in Imphal, were reduced to ashes at about 9.30 pm on Thursday in what appears to be a cynical attempt by the Meetei mob.
The incinerated houses belonged to Khaikholam Haokip, Haomang Vaiphei, Lengpao Vaiphei, Ronald Sitlhou and Thanglenmang Kipgen, he said.
Even though central paramilitary personnel have sealed off every inch of New Lambulane-Checkon in the aftermath of the violence erupted on May 3, 2023, mobs managed to overwhelm them somehow thereby exposing the vulnerability of the world's second-largest military once again, the CoTU leader said and raised concerns about whether central forces have aided the mob to carry out the arson.
The CoTU leader then sought intervention of the Union Home Ministry for deploying dedicated army personnel to take strict preventive measures to safeguard and protect the remaining pockets of Kuki-Zo settlements in Imphal from destruction, illegal occupation, and theft.
He also cautioned that the state machinery and the Centre should be held responsible for wanton destruction of lives and properties of KUki-Zo in Imphal in future.