Chandel/Ukhrul, October 3: A police team from Chandel district came under mob attack on October 1, Thursday, while returning from an operation to arrest an alleged drug supplier in Sajik Tampak area under Chakpikarong subdivision under Chandel District.
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According to police sources, the team, led by Superintendent of Police Chandel, Dharmendra Tyagi, IPS, had gone to T. Kotlen village following reports of a major drug supplier operating in the area. However, the suspect managed to flee before the police arrived.
On their way back, the police convoy was intercepted by a mob at Longja village. The crowd from the Chin Kuki reportedly attacked the personnel and vandalised several vehicles, leaving some officers injured.
As per sources, the intervention by the Commanding Officer of the 43 Assam Rifles and members of the Kuki Inpi ensured the safe rescue of the police team from the situation.
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On the other hand, the United Kuki Liberation Front (UKLF) has strongly condemned the raid allegedly carried out by Chandel Superintendent of Police Dharmendra Kumar, IPS, and his team at the residence of a UKLF officer in M. Gamnom village, Sajik area of Chandel district on October 1.
In a statement issued by UKLF, it described the police action as an “arrogant act” and a “total violation” of the ground rules of the Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreement. The SoO, signed by Kuki armed groups including UKLF, is a tripartite arrangement with the Government of India and the Government of Manipur.
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While the UKLF appealed to the authorities to take exemplary action against the SP Chandel, it asserted that since the signing of the SoO, it has abided by the agreement and worked towards a political solution for the Kuki-Zo people. It further warned that it would not remain a mute spectator if such actions by the police continued.