Ukhrul, Nov 30, 2024: In a serious allegation, multiple civil bodies in the Lamlai Assembly Constituency have accused the Indian Army of colluding with Kuki militants in Manipur.
In a memorandum addressed to the Home and Defense Ministry, the village chiefs of Laikot Kom, Laikot Phaizol, Lalikot Kharam, and the leaders of other local committees, including the Yaingangpokpi Village Committee and the Sabungkhok Khunou Village Development Committee, have called for immediate intervention regarding the actions of the Indian Army and paramilitary forces stationed in Manipur, emphasizing the need for national interest.
Setting the record straight, the memorandum has expressed concern over the proliferation of illegal bunkers constructed by the armed Kuki militants in the Sangran Hills under Khamenglok Kwaltabi Forest Reserve. Expressing concern over how the bunkers were built despite their presence, the villagers have accused the Army of being complicit in the matter. To substantiate their claims, the villagers have even enclosed drone footage to their statements.
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The villagers have further alleged that the Indian Army acted in a partisan manner in dealing with different communities. They have pointed out that despite frequent firings by the Kuki militants towards Meitei villages viz Sanasabi, Thamnapokpi, Yaingangpokpi Shantikhongbal, and Sabungkhok Khunou since May last, the Indian army has failed to take decisive actions to stop the militants. Instead, it has jumped its gun on the Meitei villages and blocked the internal village roads using their Casper vehicles.
Adding a shocking incident to prove their point, the bodies highlighted an incident that occurred on 26th November 2024, when a team from the Indian Army visited Laikot village and assured the residents that the bunker would be removed. However, just hours later, a call from a phone number linked to the Army was reportedly used by a person identifying himself as the chief of a Kuki village to oppose the removal of the bunker, escalating doubts over the Army’s impartiality.
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Stressing further, the villagers accused the Indian Army of blocking their roads using military vehicles but failing to intervene when Kuki militants fired on Meitei villages. They also accused the personnel of subjecting the Meiteis to severe restrictions, frequent frisking, and limiting movements in their areas while giving free rein to the Kuki militants. The statement also added, among many others, the case of the Army failing to protect one Laishram Kamalbu Singh who was reportedly abducted from the Leimakhong Army Headquarters and whose whereabouts have not been found to date.
In light of the above malpractices, the civil bodies have demanded that unruly personnel led by Brigadier PK Sing be replaced with CAPF personnel who, they said, will work in neutrality and restore peace in the state.
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