Looting from abandoned Meetei houses unabated in Moreh
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, August 23 2024: Cases of theft and looting resurfaced in Moreh with abandoned houses belonging to the displaced Meetei community being the prime target.

Despite previous interventions by security forces halting such activities, reports from displaced residents indicate a recent uptick in thefts.

The Meetei residents of Moreh, a border town in Manipur, fled their homes following the outbreak of violence on May 3, 2023 during a tribal solidarity march in Churachandpur, and subsequent spread to Moreh and other Kuki-dom-inated areas.

During the unrest, Kuki groups and armed militants targeted Meetei residents, vandalising and burning their properties.

While many houses were destroyed, some still left standing have become frequent targets for looters.

Displaced Meetei people currently residing in various relief camps have voiced concerns over the resurgence of thefts.

According to their reports, the looters have grown bolder, even using autorickshaws to transport stolen goods from the abandoned properties.

This has raised fears of further losses among the displaced community, many of whom have already lost their homes and belongings in the violence.

The internally displaced persons (IDPs) from Moreh have called upon the government and security agencies to take up immediate action for protecting their remaining properties and prevent further thefts.

They also urged government authorities to ensure that rule of law is upheld and their properties secured from looter's.The return of theft and looting has heightened the anxieties among those who have already suffered significant trauma and loss.

The displaced community hopes for swift action to curb these illegal activities and safeguard what little remains of their homes in Moreh.

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