Villagers fear Kukis taking over Meitei land
Source: Chronicle News Service
Bishnupur, July 25 2023:
Villagers of Tor-bung, Phougakchao Ikhai Mamang, Maning and Awang have expressed fear that these villages could ultimately fall into the hands of the Kukis in the aftermath of the ethnic violence between the Kukis and the Meiteis if state forces in sufficient numbers are not deployed in the area.
Kuki militants have been continuously attacking these villages and started setting up bunkers in Meitei areas along the eastern side of Phaogakchao Ikhai.
In a recent attack, Kuki militants rained bullets on Meitei Villages in Torbung, Phaogakchao Ikhai Mamang, Maning and Awang Leikai, Kwakta and Moirang Turenban Leikai from 11 pm of Monday till 4 am Tuesday, the villagers said.
The people of these villages are under continuous threat from the armed Kuki militants and as such majority of the villagers have fled and staying in relief camps, they said and added that it is feared that the armed Kuki militants will ultimately take over the Meitei villages unless state forces in adequate strength are not deployed in the area.
Therefore, the locals urged authority concerned to despatch or station in adequate number state forces in the said areas to safeguard the villages from the hands of the well-armed Kukis.