Kuki militants 'capture' Kongba Maru, attack farmers
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, July 01 2023: Kuki militants launched attack on farmers in Ishingthembi area, located in Khundrakpam assembly constituency of Imphal East district on Friday and also built new bunkers at Kongba Maru Laipham-len, a sacred site for the Meeteis.

According to Koijam Shanti, secretary of Kongba Maru Ishingthembi Meira Paibi, Ishingthembi is a small settlement of Meeteis with a population of, around 120 in Ishingthembi Manung and 150 in Ishingthembi Mapal.

Due to the violence that erupted in Churachandpur district during a solidarity march organised by All Tribal Students' Union Manipur (ATSUM), almost all the residents of Ishingthembi Manung evacuated their homes with about 35 residents staying back to protect the village.

They are dependent on government provided NFS A rice and monetary contributions from the residents.

On Friday, some villagers ventured out to work in their farmlands in Ishingthembi Manung but were attacked by armed Kuki militants.

These militants had established bunkers on the hillside.

Fortunately, there were no injuries, she said while expressing concern over the persistent attacks.

As the monsoon season has arrived, it is crucial for the farmers to sow seeds.

If the Kuki militants are not removed by the government, there will be a severe food shortage next year, she forewarned.

Shanti also contended that the central security forces can no longer be relied upon, and requested for deployment of state security forces in the area.

She also appealed to the people of Manipur to extend support in defending the village.

Additionally, the Kuki militants have taken control of Kongba Maru Laiphamlen, a religious pilgrimage site for the Meeteis.

They have established new bunkers there, raising further concerns.

Shanti drew attention to this issue arid called for action from the government.

On the other-hand, a large number of Kuki mobs stormed deserted village of Torbung Maning Leikai ward no 5 and looted roofing sheets from a mandap and houses under broad daylight and in the presence of central security forces on Saturday.

Source said that the mandap was set up for the Phiroi (ritual held on first death anniversary) for one late Ibun-go, son of Longjam Shyamjai, which was scheduled on May 4.However, following the violence, the family members fled home without conducting the ritual.

On Saturday around 12.30 pm, groups of Kuki people descended on the deserted village and looted the roofing sheets of the mandap and some other houses which previously remained unscathed by the ethnic violence.

The village is located on the eastern side of the national highway while on the western side there is Kuki settlement of Kangvai, where CRPF personnel are deployed.

The looting took place from 12.30 pm to 5 pm.

Later, the local residents informed Phougakchao police station after which police personnel led by OC along with army personnel entered the village and dispersed the looters.

Comment