Correspondent
IMPHAL, MAY 20: A village in Manipur Ukhrul district most affected by the ongoing Tangkhul Naga – Kuki conflict on Wednesday directly approached the state chief minister for deployment of state security forces to protect the villagers.
A delegation of the Sinakeithei Village Authority today called on chief minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh at his official bungalow in Imphal to air their grievances directly.
While airing their grievances due to the tense situation prevailing in the region, the delegation urged the chief minister to deploy state police forces (Indian Reserve Battalion – IRB) in their village.
Accompanied by Ukhrul constituency MLA Ram Muivah of the ruling Naga People’s Front (NPF), the villagers also demanded adequate manpower for the Sinakeithei police station and the proper functioning of the existing Sub-Divisional Collector (SDC)’s office at Sinakeithei.
Saying that repeated attacks by armed men on Sinakeithei village in the recent past has resulted in an atmosphere of constant fear, insecurity and distress, the Tangkhul Naga villagers demanded the government for proper security in their area. They requested the government to provide humanitarian relief and essential commodities, the chief minister’s office said, in a release.
The Sinakeithei Village Authority further requested the chief minister to provide security cover on the road between Mahadev and Sinakeithei village.
They also demanded proper health facilities and development in their area.
Replying to their demands, the chief minister told the Tangkhul Naga villagers that disarming of all forms of firearms from all parts of the state was an urgent need.
He said that “peace is the only solution, and there are no other options in Manipur.”
Singh further said that public leaders of all communities need to convince the youths to shun the path of violence and work for peace in the state.
He even gave the example of famous South African leader, late Nelson Mandela who brought peace in his country despite racial violence.
The chief minister said, “The government is trying to create jobs in non-governmental sectors by imparting skill development training to youths,” the release quoted.
The villagers expressed gratitude to the chief minister for deploying two companies of BSF in the Sinakeithei area.
They also appreciated the state government for constructing an inter-village road from Sinakeithei to Ukhrul district headquarters, and sanctioning one bailey bridge over Ihang river.