Villagers of Pombikhok under Moirang subdivision in Bishnupur district, Manipur, have decried the government’s statement that peace was returning to the state. There might be peace at CM’s Bungalow but the people of Pombikhok are still living in fear of possible attack from Kuki militants, they said.
Speaking to the media during a visit along with NPP member Oinam Romen Singh on Sunday, Thongam Ningol Jamini Leima of Pombikhok said since the eruption of the communal clash, people of the area, which borders Kuki-dominated Churachandpur district, have been living in fear.
On May 27, suspected Kuki militants attacked Pombikhok, Tangjeng, Napat and Chandonpokpi, which are the adjoining villages located in the area, she said.
Since the day violence erupted in the area, the people have been stranded and have been taking shelter in safer places away from the district border area, she added.
“I still remember the mayhem of May 27 where many Kuki militants attacked the villagers in the wee hours. With fear that Kuki militants might repeat the attack, people are taking shelter at relief camps,” she said.
She also said that Chief Minister Biren has not visited them though the local MLA visited and consoled them stating that peace will be restored in some days’ time. But when will that peace come, she questioned.
Another stranded person identified as one Wangjam Tiken Meitei of Pombikhok told the media that the village being located adjacent to Kuki villages, they still live in fear.
If the government wanted to bring peace in Manipur, then a state police outpost should be set up in these areas adjoining Kuki villages to protect the Meitei villagers against the attack from Kuki militants, he said.
Pointing out that over 30 days have passed since the violence broke out, NPP member Oinam Romen asked why the Prime Minister of India is still a silent spectator to the crisis in Manipur. PM Modi immediately visited the recent train accident in Odisha but has failed to utter a single word on the present situation of Manipur, he added.
He also said that the 50 MLAs should unanimously press the central government instead of pressing the demands separately. If the 10 MLAs can unanimously make a demand for a ‘separate administration’ inside the state of Manipur, then why cannot the 50 MLAs make a unanimous demand to the central government, he asked.
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