Search operations continue, farmers fired at
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal/Bishnupur, June 28 2023:
Amid claims by the government authorities that the state is gradually returning to normalcy due to intensification of search operations in the peripheral areas as well as sensitive pockets, farmers who went to carrying out agricultural activities at Phubala Maning farmlands were fired upon by suspected Kuki militants around 8:30 am on Wednesday.
Similar firing incidents and construction of bunkers in and around prime paddy fields in the foothill areas of Phougak-chao Ikhai, Sunushiphai, Nam-bol, Kabowakching, Balaram Khul, Konthoujam, Kangmong, Kabowakching Leimaram, Waroiching, Heinoubok, Irengbam, Yumnam Khunou, Keinou, Ngaikhong Khunou, Bishnupur, Nachou, Kha Pot-shangbam, Upokpi, Toupokpi, Ningthoukhong, Thinungei, Phubala, Sunushiphai, Naranse-na, Thamnapokpi Moirang, Tronglaobi, Terakhongshangbi, Khudekpi, Kwakta, Kumbi, Ha-otak Borayangbi, Saiton, Napat, Tangjeng, Pombikhok, Mangjil Nacmng, etc., in the district are hindering farming activities and creating fear psychosis among the farmers.
Farmers of the said area conceded that they fear for their life and are hesitant to carry out agricultural activities their main source of income since the ongoing conflict started on May 3 .
Due to prevalence of the unrest situation the locals have been maintaining night vigil on rational basis to protect their villages from Kuki militants.
The villagers, especially those settling in the peripheral areas, are in high tension and under the grip of constant fear, they stated.
The farmers also appealed to the government to look into the matter as they are staring at an uncertain future due to the volatile situation.
Meanwhile, combined teams of state and central forces continued to conduct search operations in various places.
According to a report, a combined team of 4 Assam Rifles, 16 JAT Regiment, Imphal East district police and commando along with the magistrate concerned conducted cordon and search operation at New Lambulane from 6pm to 7pm Wednesday.
However, there is no report of any arrest made or seizure of weapons.
As per a press note release by the Police Control Room of Manipur Police on Wednesday, combined teams of state police and central forces conducted search operation in the vulnerable and fringe areas of both the valley and hill districts in the last 24 hours.
About 122 checkpoints are installed in different hill and valley districts of the state to prevent unwanted incidents.
Police detained 278 people in connection with curfew violations in different districts.
The preSs note continued that on Tuesday around 6.10 pm, mobile vehicle checkpost teams at North AOC arrested one person and recovered one .32 pistol, three live rounds of 9mm and a .22 live round from his possession.
In the last 24 hours, eight arms, two ammunition and two bombs were recovered from Ka-kching district, the press note informed.
The Police Control Room then appealed to the general public to extend all possible help in bringing normalcy in the state, to clarify any rumour by dialling rumour free number - 9233522822 of Central Control Room and also to return and deposit arms, ammunition and explosives to the police or security forces immediately.
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