Tangkhul MLAs on peace mission, meet Naga, Kuki leaders separately
Security forces dismantled more illegal bunkers amid incidents of firing in parts of Manipur’s Ukhrul and Kamjong districts.
The police and security forces in the Litan area bordering Ukhrul and Kamjong districts have launched operations to dismantle illegal bunkers in the backdrop of incidents of firing allegedly involving Kuki and Tangkhul Naga armed groups starting from March 24.
“In continuation of operation by security forces which commenced yesterday, 06 bunkers illegally constructed were dismantled on March 25 at Litan and Mongkot Chepu upper village areas,” the police said, in its daily law and order update issued late on Wednesday.
Following the operation, the majority of bunkers in the violence affected Litan area have been rendered ineffective, the police claimed.
Security forces continued to remain alert and troops were strategically deployed to prevent escalation of violence in the area, it added.
On the other hand, reports said that firing by armed miscreants in the area continued in the Litan area which escalated to Chassad area of neighbouring Kamjong district.
Armed miscreants reportedly fired near Chassad village on Wednesday (March 25). No casualty related to the firing incidents was reported.
Meanwhile, two MLAs belonging to Tangkhul (Naga) tribe – Ram Muivah and Leishiyo Keishing – on Thursday reached out to the Tangkhul leaders as they started their peace mission in the restive district.
The two MLAs held a key meeting with the leaders of Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) at the latter’s office at Wino Bazaar of Ukhrul district.
After the meeting, MLA Ram Muivah reportedly said they were engaging directly with the apex body of Tangkhul Naga to understand ground realities and listen to the concerns of the people while exploring ways to bring back peace in the region.
During the meeting, the TNL leaders came out with valuable suggestions which they will convey to the chief minister, the report quoted the MLA.
The MLAs were also trying to reach out to members of the Kuki tribe at Mongkot Chepu and Shangkai on their return journey to Imphal for initiating dialogue and promoting reconciliation.
Before the meeting with the TNL leaders, the two MLAs visited Litan police station where the officials of the state police, Border Security Force (BSF) and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) briefed them on the prevailing law and order situation.
Later, the MLAs also met Kuki civil society organisations and village headmen at Shangkai, a Kuki village located on the side of NH-202 (Imphal-Ukhrul road).
What had transpired in the meeting could not be ascertained at the time of filing this report.