Bid to shift MPA cadres from Phayeng, Nongshum protested
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, April 15 2026: People settled along Uripok-Kangchup road and Nongshum area today staged protests against an order from the Pambei-led UNLF's Military Affairs Committee (MAC) Chairman to shift the cadres of MPA's 294 Battalion from Phayeng, Imphal West and 293 Battalion from Nongshum, Imphal East to the general headquarters.

In line with the MAC Chairman's order, MPA cadres stationed at Nongshum started vacating their camp this morning but they were blocked by a large group of local villagers on the way.

The villagers belonging to Nongshum and adjoining villages, and Khongbal Tangkhul village said, "You cannot leave us.

If you leave us, we may die at the hands of Kukis" .

Bid to shift MPA cadres from Phayeng, Nongshum protested

"If you must leave, kill us first.

We don't want to die at the hands of Kukis", the villagers told the MPA cadres.

Saying that they must follow the order from the Ghqs, the MPA cadres requested the villagers to give their way.

But the villagers maintained the MPA cadres must not leave them at the mercy of Kukis.

The villagers later took the MPA cadres back to their hilltop camp.

Some villagers said that the Meitei and Tangkhul people of nearby areas are able to live with a sense of security only because of the presence of MPA cadres at Nongshum.

The area saw fierce fightings since the conflict erupted on May 3, 2023 including the battle at Khamenlok and many Meitei civilians were killed, they said.

The villagers said that the attempt to shift MPA cadres from Nongshum is a ploy of the Government of India to let Kukis massacre Meitei and other indigenous people of the area.

One Tangkhul Meira Paibi activist said that they do not have any trust in Central forces for they always work in favour of Kukis.

Later in the evening, representatives of several organisations led by Khundrakpam AC MLA Th Lokeshwar called on Chief Minister Y Khemchand and submitted a memorandum.

Replying to the concerns raised by the people's representatives, the CM assured that MPA cadres shall not be removed from Nongshum if their presence helps in maintaining peace in the area.

A similar protest was also seen at Phayeng.

Apart from blocking roads, a public meeting was held at Phayeng Devan ground.

Speaking about the public meeting, Peace and Protection Committee, Chakpa Phayeng general secretary Ningthoujam Sunil said that the Pambei-led UNLF Chairman's order to shift MPA cadres from Phayeng to the Ghqs is unacceptable to the people of Phayeng and adjoining villages.

The villagers have been protesting against the particular order since yesterday and they have already decided that the Government should ensure that the cadres of MPA 294 Bn stay put at Phayeng, Sunil said.

It has also been decided to forward the people's decisions to the Government in the form of a memorandum through the MLA of Sekmai AC.

Lairenkabi Apunba Nupi Lup president Chingakham Pakpi said that they do not trust the Central forces sent by the Government to purportedly protect the villages.

"Rather we are afraid of the Central forces", she said.

It was the MPA cadres who have been protecting the people of Phayeng and adjoining villages, Pakpi said.

She pointed out that the people's fury over the murder of two innocent toddlers in a terror attack carried out by Kuki militants at Tronglaobi has not yet cooled down.

Questioning the Government's claim that peace and normalcy have returned in the State, she said that the only thing the Government can do is inviting the aggrieved people for talks and giving ex-gratia to the families of victims.

All the mothers have been hurt beyond words by the murder of the two innocent toddlers, she said.

Pointing out that Kuki militants have been attacking Meitei people at every available opportunity, Pakpi asked who will protect the unarmed villagers living in the peripheral areas like Phayeng if the MPA cadres are shifted away.