More oppose move to relocate security force
Source: The Sangai Express

Moirang, May 14 2024: Locals of Saiton in Kumbi AC have opposed the move to withdraw the CRPF personnel posted at Saiton Nganukon by staging a road block protest at Saiton Hayaikon since last night.

Speaking to the media by the sideline, Khundrakpam Binakumari, a protester, said that there would be a fresh and forced displacement of people if the CRPF personnel posted at Saiton Nganukon are withdrawn for Lok Sabha elections in other States without sending any replacement.

Saying that the locals of Saiton had demanded deployment of State forces at their place when the violence was at its peak last year, she added that the Government however sent Central forces instead against the wishes of the people.

Binakumari further Stated that they have witnessed CRPF personnel who came to Saiton High School as a replacement for another company of Central forces vacating the place discreetly after staying only for a couple of days.

Demanding that no more security forces should be withdrawn from Saiton, she said that Saiton is a sensitive place.

There are Kuki villages on the other side of the nearby river and many Meeteis have been injured in different attacks by armed Kuki miscreants, Binakumari continued and added that many houses in Saiton have also been destroyed in the course of the violence.

Asking how they will live if more security forces are withdrawn from Saiton, she said and added that the bridge which links Saiton Nganukon and Saiton Hayaikon will be blocked until a replacement is sent for the CRPF personnel who have been assigned for election duty in other States.

MLA of Kumbi AC S Premachandra went to the site of the protest and interacted with the womenfolk.

There, he assured the protesters that the CRPF won't be withdrawn until an arrangement is arrived at to solve the problem.

The MLA also met some top officials of CRPF and talked about the issue.

Notably, several Kuki villages are close to Saiton, Watha Lambi, and Haotak.

Meanwhile, womenfolk of Sunushiphai in Moirang AC assembled at the low canal area of the locality where Central forces are deployed to prevent withdrawal of the security forces while a protest was staged at Watha Lambi in Kumbi against the move to withdraw BSF from the area.

Locals of Shantipur, on the other hand, convened a meeting with Ningthoukhong Protection Committee and resolved to stand against the purported move to withdraw the company of SSB stationed in the area.

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