KPKB site in Jiribam unsafe for Meeteis
Source: Chronicle News Service

Jiribam, September 20 2024: Posers have been raised over safety of Meeteis in Jiribam district to access the newly opened Kendriya Police Kalyan Bhandar (KPKB) under the initiative of the central government to provide essential commodities to the commoners at reasonable rates.

The government launched 16 new Kendriya Police Kalyan Bhandars or canteens in the conflict-affected region of Manipur to offer essential goods to the public at affordable prices.

For Jiribam, the facility has been set up at the subsidiary canteen in the STC complex of 87th Battalion CRPF at Uchathol, on September 17.To address the needs of the community, different visiting hours have been specified for various groups, particularly Kukis and Meeteis.

However, there are concerns among the public regarding the safety of the subsidiary canteen for the Meetei community, given its proximity to Kuki villages.

Although the Kendriya Police Kalyan Bhandar, inside the CRPF campus, falls under the jurisdiction of Uchathol, Meeteis must travel through Phaitol Part I and II, which are Kuki villages in Tamenglong district.

Additionally, the area is surrounded by Jairolpokpi village, which is settlement of the Hmar community.

Furthermore, there was an incident on June 6 wherein one Soibam Sarat Kumar from Jiribam Sorok Atingbi Khunou was abducted by Kukis barely 100 metres from the CRPF camp, before being brutally assaulted and killed.

It is widely known that the individuals responsible for abduction and murder are still roaming freely near the CRPF camp, and the vehicle used in the abduction is frequently seen plying along the road adjacent to the camp.

Following the death of Sarat Kumar, the Meetei community avoided the road leading to the CRPF camp Out of fear of potential attacks by Kukis.

As a result, it has become difficult for them to access the CRPF camp, where the subsidiary canteen is located, to purchase essential goods.

The people of Jiribam are questioning the rationale behind opening the canteen in such a location.

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