Ukhrul yearns for peace, normalcy
Source: The Sangai Express / Mungchan Zimik

Ukhrul, September 06 2014 : Even though the State police forces have put into isolation and away from the public domain, confining them at their respective barracks for a week, the townfolks are still unsure whether the public demand for revocation of 144 CrPC and withdrawal of additional State police forces deployed at Ukhrul town would ever materialise or not.

The situation in the aftermath of the assassination of ADC Member M Ngalangzar on July 12, worsened after the raid at WTR Civil Liaison office at Phungreitang which led to the arrest of 8 NSCN-IM cadres from the office.

This was followed by imposition of prohibitory order under 144 CrPC.

Instantaneously, the Ukhrul public spearheaded by Tangkhul civil organization organized intense form of agitation such as sit in protest, poster and sticker campaigns, peace rally, symbolic public curfew, memo presentation etc., for revocation and withdrawal of Manipur Police commando and IRB from the town.

On August 30, a peace rally organized under the aegis of UNC at all Naga districts went out of control at Ukhrul town, two innocent civilians were killed on the spot and many others injured.

File pic of AR troops patrolling the street of Ukhrul

However the State Government perceived the situation otherwise and there has been no positive response towards bringing a solution despite the repeated demands for reviewing the decision.

This has only aggravated people's apprehension and suspicion against the State Government.

The UNC, peeved by the 'irresponsibility' of the State, sought Central Government intervention apart from banning all National projects and vehicular movements along National and State highways indefinitely.

After the district administration requisitioned paramilitary forces for temporary control of the town situation, troops of 41 AR flag marched under the banner "let us maintain peace and tranquillity in Ukhrul town" .

The townfolks have been questioning how long they should live under such an uncertain and insecure situation.

It may be mentioned that many district level officers have been abstaining from attending offices which is a cause of another anxiety to the poor innocent civilians.

On the other hand, the Tangkhul civil organizations articulating the excesses committed by State forces against the denizens of Ukhrul, resolved to shun communications with all 'adversaries' .

Meanwhile, the district administration in a publicity campaign announced relaxation of 144 CrPc for 12 hours from 6 am to 6 pm today.

But this brief reprieve could not ease or allay the fears and anxiety of Ukhrul denizens.