FOCS questions chopper sortie
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 07 2023:
The Federation of Civil Society Organisations (FOCS) Manipur has questioned the helicopter sortie carried out by the army during a heavy exchange of fire between Meitei village defence volunteers and Chin-Kuki terrorists at Torbung yesterday.
An army helicopter flew at a very low altitude on the side of the Chin-Kuki narco-terrorists and dropped some- thing.
As soon as the helicopter flew away, the Chin-Kuki terrorists intensified their offensive using heavy weapons including bombs and mortar shells, said a press release issued by FOCS.
It urged the Ministry of Home Affairs to come out with a clarification regarding the particular incident and check such suspicious activities of the army.
It went on to question whether the Government of India has been scheming to exterminate the Meitei community by taking side of the Kuki terrorists.
It is a matter of grave concern that Assam Rifles and troops of other Central forces allegedly remained mute spectators when a large number of Chin-Kuki people burnt down and destroyed several houses at Torbung, FOCS decried.
It further asked whether tear gas shells and smoke bombs are meant to be used only against Meitei people.
It also asked whether the large number of CAPF personnel flown into the State have been instructed to attack Meitei people in asso- ciation with the Chin-Kuki terrorists.
FOCS conveyed deep pain and sorrow over the demise of 5th IRB Follower Sanabam Bungcha s/o S Ingocha of Yairipok Yam-bem after he was infected by Dengue at Moreh.
It then urged the State Govt to take up all necessary measures so that State forces deployed at Moreh have access to healthcare facilities as well as medicines.