Tairenpokpi tense after AR seized licensed arm
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, May 21 2023: Aspersions were cast on role of central forces in securing the life of common-ers and restoring peace in the strife-torn state after a team of Assam Rifles on Sunday briefly impounded license guns of Tairenpokpi residents, who are guarding themselves from constant attacks from armed Kuki militants.

Decrying the seizure and terming it as an act to make the innocent villagers soft targets for the Kuki militants, locals demanded explanation from Assam Rifles why they are con-fiscating licensed arms from the public without controlling the armed Kuki militants.

According to a local resident, on Saturday, a youth carrying license firearm for self-protec-tion went out in search of his wandered cattle near a CRPF camp set up in the foothills.

CRPF personnel apprehended the youth and handed him over to Lamsang police station.

Following the detention, local leaders had a talk with CRPF officials on Sunday morning during which, AR personnel also stationed there asked the villagers not The local residents raised an alarm after which large number of people gathered and protest-ed the act of Assam Rifles.

The AR team reported the incident to police, after which a police team along with women police personnel arrived.

Lamsang MLA S Rajen also showed up and talked to the AR and police personnel.

He explained to the security force that the licensed gun is for protecting them-selves from Kuki militants, after which the AR personnel returned the gun.

Another local told The Peo-ple's Chronicle that Tairenpok-pi is vulnerable to attack by Kuki militants, who continue to carry out surveillance pa-trolling in the foothill areas, purportedly with the intent to attack the civilians.

While informing that families from the foothill villages are tak-ing refuge in the relief camp, he questioned the motive of security forces in restraining the common people, who are taking refuge and staying on guard against all odds while letting free the armed Kuki militants to carry out their terror acts.

Questioning the reason for confiscating licensed gun in such a precarious situation, he expressed suspicion if the security forces are colluding with the Kuki militants un-der Suspension of Operation (So0) agreement.

He further demanded the government to seize the arms and ammunition of Kuki UG groups under So0 to control the situation.

Meanwhile, members of Tour Day Manipur Riders provided essential materials to the relief camp set up in the village on Sunday.

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