Manipur, IMPHAL, July 26: Coming out strongly against the posting of police commandos at Moreh, Kuki men and women under the leadership of Kuki organizations today blocked a commando convoy from reaching the border town.
The state Home department had recently taken a decision to supplement the existing police force at the border town with police commandos.
The police convoy comprising about 60 police commandos was led by the newly transferred SDPO of Moreh Heisnam Balaram and Inspector Potsangbam Sanjoy.
An enraged crowd halted the mentioned convoy of police commandos near Tengnoupal police station this evening. The area comes under the jurisdiction of Chandel District police.
The team was en route to Moreh as posted personnel for the newly established commando post located at the border town.
It was learnt that at about 3.30 pm, the team crossed Pallel police station.
On receipt of the report, the civil organizations namely Kuki Women and Human Rights Organization, KSO (Moreh branch), Moreh Block Chiefs Association and Moreh Youth Club organized a protest at New Mongjang near Khudengthabi at around 2 pm today.
Sources said that almost 400 individuals came out and blocked the Highway by piling wood and stones. Meanwhile, shops were also ordered to shut down at Moreh Bazar by the members of the Kuki organizations. The protest place is located near Khudengthabi which is 7 km North from Moreh police station. Tires were hauled in autos from Moreh town and burnt at the spot. Many protestors also lied down at the street.
“Commando, No Thanks”, “We Prefer Peace”, “We Don’t Need Commando In Moreh”, “Mr Ibobi, Don’t disturb peace in Moreh” , “Go Back Commando”, “We have sufficient security in Moreh” were written in the placards held by the protestors.
Meanwhile the police team led by DSP Balaram was stuck at Tengnoupal Police Station after receiving information about the violent mob protest at New Mongjang. The team is still at the said spot till the filing of this report.
Chandel SP, Elangbam Priyokumar rushed to the spot and tried to negotiate with the protestors but failed to arrive at a conclusion.
The Additional DGP, LM Khoute also has rushed in to the protest site with reinforcements. Latest reports say, a meeting is slated to be held between the top police officers and the representatives of the Kuki bodies at Hill Tribal Council (HTC) office tomorrow at 9 am.
