10 villagers handed over to Kom Union
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, July 06 2023:
Village volunteers of Awang Leikinthabi, Tingri and Santipur handed over 10 residents, including two women, of Khongnangpokpi Kom village, who were rescued during a gunfight between the village volunteers and Kuki militants, to leaders of Kom Union Manipur on Thursday.
Members of Federation of Civil Societies Organisation (FOCS), Manipur and Koirengei Wangma Village Development Committee (KWVDC), an apex body of 12 clubs, took major role in holding a joint meeting with Kom Union.
According to KWVDC president Phi-jam Priyokumar, the 10 Kom villagers were not abducted by the village volunteers but were evacuated to prevent casualty during the gunfight on Wednesday.
They had stayed overnight at Awang Leikinthabi and handed over to Kom Union Manipur safe and sound, he said.
Kom Union Manipur advisor Boyesh Kom thanked the village volunteers for ensuring safety of the 10 villagers while stating that Kom is a neutral community, who do not associate themselves with Naga or Kuki.
However, if there is involvement of Kom people in the present crisis, such persons are participating in their own capacity and not representing the community, explained the advisor, while cautioning that any consequences due to any misdemeanour shall have to be borne by the individuals concerned and the village authority, he said.
Boyesh also appealed to all to refrain from setting up bunkers in Kom villages.
Meanwhile, FOCS president Th Manihar appealed to all to refrain from spreading rumours amid the volatile situation in the state.
While reminding that spreading rumours create confusion and unrest among the people, he also advised Kuki militants to give up the agenda of dragging in minor communities into the conflict.
He further demanded the union home minister and state government to control the illegal activities of Kuki militants.