Dont't shift Pambei camp : Villagers to Govt
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, June 21 2024:
Villagers of Nongshum and surrounding villages have urged the Government not to shift away the camp of Pambei-led UNLF/MPA from Nongshum, Imphal East.
Speaking to media persons at Nongshum today, the villagers pointed out that the particular Meitei village is very close to many Kuki villages where heavily armed Kuki militants have a strong presence.
Saying that cadres of the Pambei-led UNLF/MPA have been guarding the village all these months, the villagers expressed deep fear that Nongshum and the surrounding areas would be rendered extremely vulnerable if the Pambei-led UNLF/MPA's camp is shifted away.
Since Nongshum is not there in the list of places announced by the Government where designated camps of Pambei-led UNLF/MPA would be opened, does this mean that the outfit's camp would be shifted from Nongshum, one of the villagers asked.
Recalling the initial days of the Kuki offensive when Kuki militants and their supporters bombarded Nongshum from atop the nearby hills, he said that the Pambei-led UNLF/MPA fighters have been guarding the village at the request of the villagers.
Only then, the villagers heaved a sigh of relief, he added.
He urged the Government and other authorities concerned to let Pambei-led UNLF/MPA have one of their camps at Nongshum until the violent conflict comes to an end.
"We have no objection to the Government's decision to station Central forces in foothill areas inhabited by Meitei people but we are doubtful if they (Central forces) would protect Meitei people when Kuki militants attack us.
In the past, the Central forces did nothing when Kuki militants attacked Meitei villages repeatedly", the villagers said.
"But we have strong objections against any attempt to carry out extensive combing operations in the valley before the Kuki militants and their associates cease their aggression and other hostile actions", the villagers.
The Meitei villagers would submit their arms to the authorities once the Kukis stop their aggression, they added.