The villagers of Kwatha Khunou in Tengnoupal district, Manipur have denied the statement made by the chief minister asserting that the houses burned by suspected Kuki militants were not abandoned but rather vacated due to the ongoing crisis.
Early Monday morning, two houses belonging to the chief of Kwatha Khunou were set ablaze by suspected militants. Situated along the Indo-Myanmar border in Tengnoupal district, Kwatha Khunou is the last village of India, with a population of 42 people residing in 13 houses, according to village secretary Laishram Sanjoy.
Addressing the media at the Manipur Press Club on Tuesday, the village chairman of Kwatha Khunou highlighted the severe impact of the crisis on the villagers. He explained that the village’s proximity to Myanmar has made it a target for pro-democracy forces opposing the military coup since February 2021, resulting in a sense of fear among the residents.
Sanjoy further revealed that the villagers began leaving the village on May 3, 2023 as a precautionary measure, with women and children being relocated to Kwatha Khunjao initially, followed by others moving to safer areas.
He emphasized that the neighbouring Molte and Bongyang villages, inhabited by the Kuki community, should be aware of the circumstances surrounding the burning of the two houses.
Expressing skepticism about the account provided by the chief of Molte village, who claimed that three unknown persons set fire to the houses and fled upon being approached, Sanjoy suggested possible involvement of locals in the arson.
Urging government authorities to establish a permanent camp of either paramilitary forces or the Assam Rifles in the village, Sanjoy emphasized the villagers’ desire to return to Kwatha Khunou and resume their lives, rather than remain in a relief camp.
