SFs begin dismantling of bunkers, COTU opposes
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, July 05 2023: As announced by chief minister N Biren Singh to remove/ dismantle bunkers constructed by armed men in both hills and valley as part of the measures to contain the ethnic violence, security forces removed several bunkers at different places in Kangpokpi, Imphal West and Churachandpur districts on Wednesday.

The combined teams comprising state and central forces, including 2nd Mahar Regiment, removed illegal bunkers found constructed in Kangpokpi (Heng jang village), Imphal West (Kanto Sabal), Imphal East (Purum hills) and Churachandpur (Kulbung village) districts.

Meanwhile, Committee on Trib al Unity (CoTU) has vehemently opposed the decision of CM N Bi-ren chaired unified command to destroy bunkers in the hill areas.

CoTU said that dismantling of the bunkers meant for defending and protecting Kuki-Zo tribal villages from raids will not be allowed.

CoTU general secretary Lam-minlun Singsit said that the Chief Minister instead of bringing peace into Manipur has gone overboard by taking to his fancy hats.

He continued that it is the duty of a CM to bring peace but Biren has gone the exact opposite by raising militias to destroy the Kuki-Zo community which has had an age old camaraderie.

"The fact that the CM is trying to go overboard by destroying protective bunkers meant for protection of our villages from his militias will be faced with utmost resistance because the writ of Meetei does not run in the hills," he asserted.

COTU also advised N Biren not to interfere beyond his territory, but implement his decision to destroy bunkers where his militias are sheltered in order to cease violence.

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