Manipur: Protest Demonstration as Villagers Raise Demand for Retention of Central Forces at Uyokching

IMPHAL: Villagers from various areas staged a protest at the foothills of Uyokching in Imphal East, calling for the continuation of Central forces' presence at the site where Kuki militants attacked security forces and Meetei villages between December 24 and 28.

The protestors gathered at the foothills near Yaingangpokpi police station, where CRPF and BSF personnel have been deployed. The forces have been stationed at the location since the previous day and spent the night there. The villagers are concerned that the Central forces may be withdrawn due to external pressure.

Villagers from Thamnapokpi, Sanasabi, and Yaingangpokpi have been staging a sit-in since Monday evening, expressing fear that the security forces, including BSF and CRPF, could be removed from Uyokching, a site bordering Imphal East district.

On January 3, the Superintendent of Police in Kangpokpi district was injured when a mob attacked his office over his alleged failure to prevent the withdrawal of the Central forces from Uyokching.

Kuki organizations have also been protesting the alleged lathi charge on women by security forces in the area on December 31.

"We heard unconfirmed reports that Central forces stationed at Uyokching will be moved. So, we are camping here to plead with CRPF and BSF not to succumb to the pressure from the Kuki groups," said Mangi Leima, one of the demonstrators. Leima further claimed, "If the forces are withdrawn from there, armed miscreants will again attack the villages."

Protesters explained that Kuki militants had ceased attacking Meetei villages such as Yaingangpokpi, Thamnapokpi, Santikhongbal, Sanasabi, and Sabungkhok Khunou after Central forces were deployed at these locations on December 28.

"It is unfortunate that the Government is allegedly trying to withdraw the Central security personnel from Thamnapokpi Uyokching and Yaingangpokpi Uyokching," a protester stated. "Withdrawing the Central forces from the sites will be akin to giving a green signal to the Kuki militants to resume their offensive."

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