Cheiraoching memorial site vandalised
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, April 12: The memorial stone and tablet of the nine slain UGs located at Cheiraoching here had been vandalised allegedly by some armed men in Khaki in the wee hours today.

The matter came to light in the morning today.

The Families Committee for Observation on April 13 has strongly condemned act of vandalising as unbecoming of the conduct of men in Khaki.

The memorial tablet had been erected in remembrance of the nine UGs who were killed during a shot-out by security forces on April 13, 1982.

A scene of the Cheiraoching memorial site which was vandalised in the early hours of April 12

Apart from having removed the white marble plaque placed right in the middle of the memorial complex , men in Khaki suspected to be Manipur Police Commandos have also broken the plaque into fragments and set on fire after dousing grease on jute shacks.

The marble tablet was inscribed with "Dedicated to the unknown soldiers," 'Stars of Manipur who laid down lives for their motherland'.

Two or three days earlier, some men in Khaki have also not only defaced the plaque but also attempted to remove it.

The incident occurred just a day after Tourism Minister TN Haokip announced to the media in connection with setting up of a view point of the Imphal city atop the hillock.

In protest against the misconduct of the men in Khaki, Families Committee and people of the surrounding area staged a Wakat Meepham near the foothill later during the day.

According to publicity secretary of the Committee Moirangthem Jibanlata, the act of vandalising the memorial tablet is the lowest act that one could think of.

Every year since 1990, the Committee has been offering floral tributes at the memorial site.

In 2001, the court also granted its approval.

Well-wishers of the Committee, friends and relatives have been extending their co-operation and support, she said, while appealing to all the people to come tomorrow and participate in offering floral tributes without any fear like in previous years.