'16 different bodies demand retention of Assam Rifles camp in Jiribam'

A CORRESPONDENT

SILCHAR, Jan 10: The camps of 27 Assam Rifles posted at Multansingh Pradhan Bazar, Latingkhal Makhabasti and Babupara of Jiribam subdivision, Imphal East district of Manipur, are going to be removed from the areas as the higher authorities concerned have directed that as insurgency and other antitiol activities is under control, so the camps have to be shifted elsewhere. Jiribam subdivision is a disturbed area where law and order is violated on a regular basis by both hill and valley based insurgent groups. The paramilitary forces were posted in the area to maintain law and order. As a result of posting 27 Assam Rifles camp, the situation has improved in the subdivision. The linguistic minorities of the subdivision including Bengali, Kuki, Hmar, Bishnupriya Manipuri and other tribal groups could live a peaceful life. For the security of non Manipuris and other linguistic communities, it has been demanded that the camps are retained in their present places.

The lives and properties of the linguistic minorities could be protected from the insurgent groups. Though the situation is presently under control but the antitiol activities of the insurgent groups have not stopped completely. If the camps are removed, the insurgent organizations will openly resort to their illegal activities. These were among the points stated in a memorandum jointly submitted by 16 different organizations to Sushmita Dev, MP Silchar, Radheshyam Biswas, MP Karimganj, and Kabindra Purkayastha, former union minister, on Friday.

The members stated that if the camps of 27 Assam Rifles is removed from the areas, it will not only lead to resurgence of unwanted elements and destabilization of law and order but will lead to further margilization of linguistic minorities and may also cause commul tension. It should be mentioned here that to stop the shifting of the camps, the residents of the subdivision have staged a blockade so that the camps are not shifted. It is to be mentioned here that a delegation led by Habib Ali had submitted a memorandum to Inspector General of Assam Rifles in this regard recently.

Sadhan Purkayastha, secretary general, CRPC Assam, supported the demands to retain the camps in the interests of the linguistic minority. Purkayastha further urged upon the Union Home Ministry to look into the issue and take appropriate measures against the terrorist groups operating in Manipur. All the 16 organizations jointly demanded that the Union Home Ministry and the higher authorities concerned of paramilitary forces should convert the camps of 27 Assam Rifles and other paramilitary forces presently stationed in Jiribam into permanent camps for the sake of linguistic minorities of the area.

The memorandum was signed by leaders of All Jiribam Muslim Welfare Society, All Jiribam Chief Association, Minority People's Organization, Barak Brothers Union, Joint Action Committee for Protection of Tribal and Minority Peoples' Rights, Kuki Ingpi, All Jiribam Bengali Students' Union, Hmar tiol Union, All Jiribam Minority People's Organization, Bishnupriya Manipuri Mahasabha and ri Jagaran Joutho Manch as well as the village headmen of Sopur GP, Latingkhal GP, Borobekra GP, Jakuradhar GP and Borobekra ZP.