Ops Summer Storm at Loktak: Villagers flee homesteads, in relief camps
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, April 15 2009: Feeling unsafe in their own homes following the Army Operation at Loktak lake, hundreds of villagers from the surrounding areas have fled and taken asylum in makeshift relief camps at Ithai Khunjao, Laphupat Tera Khunou and Arong Khongjong while many others are putting up with their relatives as there is not enough space at these relief camps.

Among the displaced villagers, there are pregnant women and young girls, terrified by the constant sounds of bombing and firing apart from placing bombs in their houses as well as young children who have started complaining of health problems due to exposure to the vagaries of inclement weather.

A young girl being attended to in one of the relief camps

Interacting with the media during an inspection visit of these relief camps organised by Apunba Lup since yesterday, the displaced villagers pleaded for an end to the ongoing Army operation in consideration of their plights.

At the relief camp at Ithai Khunjao being opened for the villagers fleeing from Nongmaikhong, there were in all 440 displaced villagers.

Five among them were pregnant women.

The inspection team also came across three children who had fallen sick.

Raising strong objection to the use of six fishermen in rowing the boats of the Army during the operation, one of the villagers staying in the relief camp pointed out that the villagers who mostly depend on fishing activities in the lake have been compelled to flee their homes and hearths because of such undue pressure.

A 50-year old villager, who was among the six persons allegedly forced by the Army to row their boats and lead them to suspected UG hideouts recalled that 'we have been called out from home for some assistance but were taken not only to the site of the operation but were also told to lead the way.

When we refused, we were slapped and scolded using harsh words''.

''As we were forced to lead the way even beyond the point where a body was found, all six of us thought, it would be the last day of our lives'', the boatman added with a sigh of relief. At the relief camp of Laphupat Tera Khunou, the inspection team came across 250 refugees huddling together.

Due to want of space in the relief camp, many of the displaced villagers have been reportedly putting up in the houses of their relatives and friends.

A 40-year old woman staying in the relief camp said that 'even if the security forces assured us nothing would happen who would be able to stay at home when there is firing and bombing attacks going on right in your courtyard and backyard'.

We were also told to put out the lights at night, she added.

Another camper said that although the Army is claiming that the operation is being conducted on the southern side of the Loktak lake, it is actually inside Keibul Lamjao.

One of the villagers also pointed out that number of bombs that have been used in the ongoing operation has been so many that there is the possible of some unexploded bombs lying around.

So it would dangerous for the villagers to resume their normal fishing activities even after the operation is over until and unless all unexploded bombs have not been cleared.

When the inspection team arrived at Khordak, security personnel were seen moving around the village though none of the villagers could be seen.

At the relief camp of Arong Khongjong where around 200 displaced villagers are taking shelter, the panic stricken villagers called upon the Government for ending the Army operation and ensuring their security.

Until and unless, there is no security, what is the point of taking part in the MP election, one of the villagers in the camp questioned.

It is learnt that some of the local the MLAs have so far provided some relief materials to the displaced villagers staying in the relief camps.

Meanwhile, highlighting the present situation in Keibul Lamjao National Park area in the wake of the Army operation, 25 different organisations have jointly submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister urging for taking up necessary measures to save the endangered species of Sangai.