Meira Paibi groups oppose deployment of AR
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, October 13 2023: Stating that various villages under Uyumpok Gram Panchayat had not approved deployment of Assam Rifles in the area, Nongshum Meira Paibi member Sagolsem Su-bita said that the presence of AR personnel amongst the GR troops at Khongbal Tangkhul located adjacent to Nongshum village, could prolong displacement of the villagers who are already homeless.

Addressing a press meet at Nongshum village on Friday, Subita said that the villagers in the area are prepared to stay in relief camps if AR is deployed in the area for presence of the AR personnel is akin to aiding Kuki narco-terrorists.

She continued that no villages under Uyumpok GP of Khundrakpam AC have consented to the deployment of AR in their area' However, despite the resistance, AR personnel have been staying with GR personnel in Khongbal Tangkhul area after reaching some sort of understanding.

The AR's intention to stay near Meetei villages is clearly an attempt to allow Kuki miscreants to attack the villages easily, she alleged.

Protesting against deployment of AR or replacing GR with AR, Subita appealed to the government to deploy state forces or any other force instead of AR or else the villagers would be forced to stay longer in relief camps.

On the other hand, after learning about the deployment of AR in Chanung and Nongshum villages, the Meira Paibis of the nearby villagers gathered at Taretkhul and held a press meet on Friday during which one Keisham Hemabati pointed out that Nongshum is located next to 10 Kuki villages and Chanung around five Kuki villages.

Due to loopholes in security measures, the villagers were earlier forced to flee their homes and stayed at relief camps.

Recently, due to the presence of central forces except AR and state forces, the villagers were able to return to their homes.

However, the peaceful atmosphere in Chanung and Nongshum villages has been disturbed with the entry of AR in the area.

The entry of AR is similar to opening the door to invite armed Kukis in the area and as such, no AR personnel should be allowed to enter the villages.

The state forces can be deployed for security in the area.

If this is not possible, then villagers are ready to defend themselves, she stated.

Later, the Meira Paibis shouted slogans like 'No AR in Chanung and Nongshum', 'Deploy state forces at the earliest', and 'We condemn AR's mistreatment of women' .

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