Responding to 'don't sell to Manipur cops' diktat at Moreh
Counter blockades imposed at many points
Source: The Sangai Express

Moirang/Thoubal, February 09 2024: More counter-blockades got underway at Wangjing and several places of Moirang in Bishnupur district against the ill-treatment of State force personnel by the Kukis at Moreh.

While the internally displaced persons (IDPs) from Moreh imposed the counter-blockade at Wangjing, people of Moirang banned transportation of goods and essentials to Churachandpur.

Reportedly, the counter blockade at Moirang was implemented by Meitei Coordinating Committee Tronglaobi to Torbung an Waikhurok along Tiddim Road at Kwakta Bazar and adjacent places.

Vehicles heading to Churachandpur were checked since early morning at Moirang.

Responding to 'don't sell to Manipur cops' diktat at Moreh

The counter-blockade at Wangjing, meanwhile, was jointly launched by IDPs staying at different relief camps and local clubs, organisations and meira paibis along Imphal-Moreh road near Wangjing-Kodompokpi ground following the expiry of their ultimatum served to the Kukis to lift the ban on shopkeepers.

Meanwhile, womenfolk of Khwairamband Ima Keithel donated essential items for the State force deployed at Moreh.

The items were entrusted to special commandos of Khabeisoi.

"How long does our Chief Minister want us who fled persecution at Moreh to stay in relief camps," asked a group of Meitei displaced folks emotionally while enforcing the counter blockade at Wangjing.

One of the displaced persons, Leisangthem Tomba, from Moreh Ward no 7 asked if law is applicable only to the Meiteis.

Elaborating that the law enforcers don't fire tear gas shells nor arrest anyone when Kuki women protested at Tengnoupal by blocking roads but the Government too often treats Meitei protesters harshly, he asked if two laws have been enforced in the State simultaneously.

Saying that they are exhausted from staying at relief camps all these months and want to return home, Tomba asked how long does the Chief Minister want them to live like refugees in their own State.

He continued that they will stop seeking refuge elsewhere and stay outside enforcing the counter-blockade till they can return home.

Secretary of All Wangjing Meira Paibi Lup Laishram Shanti Leima, on the other hand, said that Kukis intimidating the shopkeepers to not sell anything to State forces was diabolic and inhuman.

Another displaced Lukram Binakumari from Moreh Turel Wangma contended that the assault on Meeteis at otherwise peaceful Moreh was carried out by illegal immigrants from Myanmar and Kuki militants.

Moreh is a part of Manipur and there is no reason for the State force to vacate the border town, she said and asked who will protect their land and properties if the State force is withdrawn from the border town.

Foreigners don't have the right to demand separate administration, Binakumari maintained and added that they will continue the counter-blockade until the Kukis lift their ban.

A large number of IDPs along with local clubs and organisations checked vehicles travelling along Imphal-Moreh from early morning at around 5 to prevent transportation of goods and essentials to Kuki villages and Moreh.

Speaking to the media at Moirang, one Yumnam Tomba said that they were compelled to launch the counter-blockade as the Government didn't give any response to their demand to take action against the Kukis who intimidate the shopkeepers at Moreh.

He said that they will not allow transportation of goods to Churachandpur until the Kukis withdraw their ban on shopkeepers at Moreh, Tomba.

Advisor of All Kwakta Coordinating Committee Md Anwar Ali said the people of Kwakta fully support the counter blockade given the hardship being faced by State force personnel at Moreh.

Similar counter-blockade of the Meetei Community Joint Coordination Committee Waithou to Haokha and Thoubal Khunou is also underway at Babu Keithel in Thoubal since yesterday.