Imphal: Lamlai Kendra Village Volunteer Force and local Meira Paibi groups temporarily blocked Imphal-Ukhrul road stretch at Yaingangpokpi, Lamlai A/C, Imphal East District on Monday demanding removal of Central Forces from Sabungkhok Khunou Checkon. Later, following an assurance from Imphal East District SP and other top police officials that IRB post will be kept in place of central security forces, the road block protest was withdrawn.
Earlier in the day, a large number of irate locals at various parts of the road stretch piled up logs, benches and even placed a bullock cart in the middle of the road preventing movement of vehicles except for those plying on medical emergency, religious and educational purposes and media persons.
Travellers to and from Ukhrul side faced immense inconveniences due to the intense protest which they intended to carry out indefinitely until their demand was met.
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Speaking on the sidelines, Commander in Chief of Lamlai Kendra Village Volunteer Force, Y. Bosan said Meitei villagers in the area have been urging the relevant authorities to remove the central forces as they were ineffective in preventing frequent attacks allegedly by armed Kuki miscreants.
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A police team led by Imphal East District SP Dr. S. Ibomcha, Additional SP H. Herojit, OC of SPDO Lamlai Police Station swiftly arrived at the protest sites and after they gave the assurance that IRB personnel will be stationed for their protection, the protesters decided to withdraw their road block protest.
It may be mentioned that intense scuffle erupted between personnel of Central Security forces and local Meira Paibi women on Sunday leaving at least eight Meira Paibi women injured and one of them sustained critical injury and is currently admitted at JNIMS hospital.
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