"Attack after village volunteers forced out"
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, September 01 2024: Phayeng locals have decided not to claim the body of Ngangbam Surbala, who was killed in an attack by Kuki militants in Koutruk on Sunday even as one Leisangthem Roni contended that the attack was launched after the village volunteers were forcefully removed from the area.

Briefing the media at RIMS morgue on Sunday, Roni recounted that after security forces conducted search operation in Koutruk area, Lamsang police station office in-charge inspector Tiken and his personnel came to Koutruk a few days ago and ordered the villagers against keeping any village volunteers.

He further threatened to arrest the property owners if any village volunteers were allowed to stay in the area.

As such, the villages held a meeting and it was decided not to allow any village volunteers to stay to avert unwanted issues.

Unfortunately, just as the volunteers were removed, the Kuki militants launched attacks from the hilltops of Koutruk, she added.

Roni informed that the deceased Ngangbam (O) Surbala (31) w/o Ingo of Phayeng Umang Leikai and her 12-year old daughter Rojiya, had come to visit her parental home.

When the militants began firing bullets and bombs, both Surbala and daughter ducked for cover by the porch.

However, the bullets struck the mother-daughter duo, leaving Surbala dead and Rojiya injured.

Urging the government to exhibit the same bravado it is showing to the Meeteis to Kukis as well, she remarked that Sunday's tragedy would not have happened if the search operations were not one-sided.

Meanwhile, Phayeng Apunba Nupi Lup president Ningthoujam Tomalei condemned the central forces who failed to act but were recording videos of the incident.

While the government claims peace has been restored, the firing continues.

The state government wants to make it as if law and order is maintained in the state by focussing only in the valley.

The Kukis have been left unrestrained in red zone areas and beyond but the government is yet to take any action.

As such, the locals of Phayeng will not claim Surbala's body until an agreement is reached with the government and the latter also makes its stand clear to the people, she stated.

Comment