Nongshum opposes deployment of central forces
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, September 05 2024: Nongshum Development Committee secretary Yumlembam General has categorically stated that no central forces should be deployed at the new police outpost being constructed in Nongshum.

In a press meet held at the local community hall on Thursday, General said that Nongshum and Khamenlok villages are located adjacent to nine Kuki villages.

Even now, Kukis are routinely operating drones every night, triggering fear and panic even amongst residents of nearby Uyumpok and Lamboikhul villages as well.

However, the central forces took no visible action to stop daily provocations by the Kukis.

As a particular central force has no issue with Kuki terrorists operating close to them, no central forces should be deployed at the new outpost being constructed in Nongshum, especially as people of Nongshum do not believe that the central forces will protect them considering the fact that BSF troopers deployed in Koutruk, Kadangband and Senjam Chirang villages did nothing despite pleas from the locals when these areas came under drone bombings recently.

Thus, he urged for deploying state forces instead of the central forces.

Earlier in the day, the panic-stricken Nongshum villagers staged sit-in demonstration against the state government's decision to deploy central security forces at the newly constructed police outpost.

The villagers, mostly women, took part in the protest held at the community hall of Nongshum village, which is inhabited by people of the Meetei community.

In May 2023, when the ethnic clashes were at its peak,, at least 40 per cent of the Nongshum residents reportedly fled to safer places.

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