Kamjong: Phungyar Assembly Constituency MLA Leishiyo Keishing on Wednesday claimed that the ongoing crisis in border villages of Manipur’s Kamjong district was not communal in nature but linked to the Centre’s push for fencing along the India-Myanmar international border.
Keishing made the statement during a two-day visit to border villages in Kamjong district, days after Ningchou village came under attack by suspected Kuki National Army (Burma) cadres, reportedly resulting in the deaths of two Naga villagers.
During his visit, the Naga legislator toured Kangpat Khullen, Kangpat Khunou, Ramphoi (Nambisha), Ningchou and Grihang villages, besides visiting Kamjong district headquarters, to assess the ground situation.
Keishing alleged that the violence in the border areas was being orchestrated by central security forces, including the Assam Rifles, to pressure local residents into accepting border fencing.
He said a series of incidents had recently occurred in the border areas, unlike in the past, even when clashes involving insurgent groups had taken place. He further alleged that KNA (Burma) cadres were targeting border villagers to establish a safe haven in the area.
The MLA reiterated that border fencing should be taken up only after the disputed boundary pillars had been corrected.
Expressing concern over the prevailing situation, Keishing said the continuing violence had created widespread fear among border residents, forcing many people, particularly children and senior citizens, to relocate to safer places.
He described the displacement as disheartening and urged residents to remain calm, assuring them that the government was responsible for protecting their lives and property.
“Our forefathers had earned and secured this land with their sweat and blood, and we must stand united to protect and safeguard it instead of running away from the present crisis,” Keishing said.
During the visit, he also met the families of the victims from Ningchou village, who were allegedly attacked and killed by suspected KNA (Burma) cadres and VVEZ. He further inspected the site of the October 10 incident and assessed the situation on the ground.
According to Keishing, Ningchou had been considered one of the safest villages along the border because it is located around 10 km from the international boundary.
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However, following the October 10 killings, the MLA questioned the role of the Assam Rifles, whose responsibilities include guarding the border areas and countering insurgency. He alleged that the force had failed to discharge its duties and called for its removal from the area and replacement by other security agencies.
In Kamjong district headquarters, the arson incident which took place on October 10 has left many families of both Tangkhul and Kuki without their homes. During our visit, bullet marks fired from Chassad area were also seen in many houses.
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