Sugnu MLA K Ranjit on Wednesday assured the people that necessary steps are being taken to set up a Manipur Rifles or an IRB Battalion permanently in Serou Lamkhai for the welfare of the people of Serou, Sugnu, Napat and other nearby villages.
He made the statement during his visit to a relief centre opened at Heirok Higher Secondary School under the initiative of Heirok MLA Thokchom Radheshyam, where displaced people from Serou, Sugnu and other villages have been taking shelter.
He stated that the Governor of Manipur has also approved the proposal of setting up an MR/IRB battalion in the area and the process has already begun. The battalion will be set up in the aim to help the displaced persons to return to their homes without fear after the attack by the armed Kuki militants towards the people of Serou and Sugnu in the wee hours of May 28, 2023, added the MLA.
The MLA recalled that a "Peace Committee Sugnu AC adjoining Area of Chandel, Churachandpur and Bishnupur District" was formed when the clash broke out and peace had been prevailing in the area till May 27 as the members from hill and valleys worked together for peace. He further recalled that 90 Meitei people including women and children who had been to D Lhongkhai Village, T Seljang Village and Singhao village were handed over to the peace committee by the Kuki people on May 10 without causing any harm.
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He added that security forces were deployed in Sugnu and Serou area after consulting the state government due to fear of a clash in the area at any time as the peace committee doubted handling any future clash.
MLA Ranjit appealed to the people of Sugnu in the relief camp to return to their houses except for the sick and old as the security forces have successfully flushed out the Kuki militants from Sugnu, Serou and Napat areas. Security forces have control over the areas and are on strict vigil and Sugnu, Serou areas have been relatively calm after witnessing large scale violence of firing, said the MLA. He added that people of Serou and Napat will take some time to return to their homes as mass burning of houses has taken place in the area compared to Sugnu as only around 15 houses were burnt down. He also mentioned that the government has already announced a special package for the victims.
He condemned the chief minister for failing to call an all-political party meeting even after 40 days of the ethnic clash. He said that the meeting should be called at the earliest and take notice of all the suggestions from the MLAs and should urge the President and Prime Minister of India. He added that he will also join the 10 like-minded political parties in going to Delhi to meet the PM.
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Calling the 10 Kuki MLAs as constitutional illiterate, K Ranjit said it comes as no surprise that the 10 MLAs will speak the language of militants as they were elected by the militants.
He appreciated Heirok MLA Dr. Thokchom Radheshyam for helping the displaced people of Sugnu, Serou and other neighbouring villages by opening a relief centre. He also appreciated the security forces for moving the 3000 displaced persons to safer places who have been taking shelter at the MLA’s residence. The MLA also extended a financial aid of rupees 50 thousand at the relief centre.
MLA Thokchom Radheshyam accompanied MLA Ranjit during his visit.
