Kangpokpi: Residents of Kuki-Zo villages in Manipur protested against the Ministry of Home Affairs’ directive to withdraw Border Security Force (BSF) personnel from the state’s fringe areas ahead of the Lok Sabha Polls.
Protestors from Thawai Kuki in Kamjong district under Litan Police Station, most of whom were women, on Wednesday at around 6:00 AM, staged a road blockade in their village, preventing BSF personnel from departing.
Hohoi Haokip, one of the protestors, expressed their determination to continue the road blockade and demonstration until their demands were addressed.
She said that no BSF personnel would be allowed to leave their village until peace reigns in Manipur or alternative security measures are guaranteed.
Expressing their apprehensions, the protestors highlighted concerns about the safety and security of their village if the BSF personnel were to be withdrawn.
Faced with the imminent departure of the BSF, the villagers stand resolute, refusing to yield to fear for their homes, families, and the cohesive fabric of their community. They argue that the withdrawal of security forces would leave them vulnerable to the looming threat of further attacks.
Haokip emphasised that their protest is grounded in substantial reasons, pointing to the tragic events of August 18 last year when armed Meitei militants allegedly attacked their village.
Three village youths, Thangkhokai Haokip (35), Jamkhogin Haokip (26), and Boicha Baite (24), who defended the onslaught were killed.
“Their sacrifice remains etched in the collective memory of Thawai Kuki,” said Haokip.
While cautioning about the possibility of displacement, Haokip asserted that if the BSF personnel were withdrawn, they would be compelled to seek refuge in relief camps as Internally Displaced Persons.
In their steadfast resolve, the protesting villagers embody the unwavering spirit of resistance against diversity, refusing to yield until ‘justice and security’ are ensured for all.
Their defiance echoes far beyond the fringe area of Thawai Kuki, resonating with communities across Manipur grappling with similar insecurities.
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In Molnoi area of Pallel in the Tengnoupal district have been protesting against the decision to withdraw the BSF personnel since Tuesday evening.
Villagers of H. Kotlenphai and Twisomjang have taken to the streets at night threatening to block roads in protest against the plan to remove the BSF personnel.
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