BSF shields farmers, CRPF man hurt in gunfight
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, July 18 2023:
In the backdrop of the on going conflict in the state, the 29th battalion Border Security Force (BSF) has taken a significant step in providing protection to farmers in the villages of Moirang-purel and Itham.
The deployment of BSF troops in these villages is under specific measures to ensure safety of farmers undertaking paddy cultivation works.
These villages are situated at the periph ery of Imphal East and Kangpokpi districts under the jurisdiction of Thoubal Dam police station.
Farmers of Moirangpurel and Itham can now engage in farming activities without apprehension, allowing them to cultivate their fields and sustain their main source of livelihood.
Cultivation of paddy plants is considered significant to attgment the state's economy.
While the situation remains complex and multifaceted, the safety measures taken up by BSF give a glimmer of hope amidst the ongoing turmoil.
It underscores the importance of providing humanitarian service and protection to vulnerable communities caught in the crossfire of ethnic conflict.
As the farmers in Moirangpurel and Itham venture out to their fields under the watchful eyes of the BSF, the immediate focus remains on cultivating crops and rebuilding lives.
Contrary to instilling sense of security among the Itham and Moirangpurel in Imphal East district, the same cannot be said of those settling in the peripheral villages under Bishnupur district as at least four houses of Torbung bazar Mamang were torched and CRPF soldier suffered injuries when suspected Kuki militants attacked the abandoned Meetei locality on Monday at about 11.45pm.The injured CRPF soldier belonging to the 133Bn was given treatment by an Army medical team at Kangvai.
When Kuki militants launched attack and torched four houses of Torbung bazar Mamang, security forces deployed nearby like 133Bn CRPF and state force along with village volunteers retaliated during which the CRPF soldier was hit.
Moments before the gun battle, Kuki militants torched warehouse of one Chingakham Sopen, house and outhouse of Angom Mangi, as well as houses of Angom Ibungo and Angom Inaocha.
Fresh gunfights were also reported in Napat and Khoubuk village areas in the adjoining areas of Bishnupur and Kakching districts around 7 pm Tuesday.
The intermittent gun fight took place for around half an hour.
At the same time, some interinittent gunshots were also heard in Luwangsangol area around 10 pm.
There were no reports of any casualties on either side in both incidents.