IT News
Imphal, May 13:
A significant number of women staged a protest in Leimaram Waroiching, Bishnupur district, expressing vehement opposition to the government’s plan to replace the 9 GR with Assam Rifles. Simultaneously, members of the United Committee of Pukhao and Makeng Dolaithabi Gram Panchayat called upon authorities to retain the BSF battalion stationed in Purum village, warning of agitation if their demand is not met.
Women from the locality assembled near the 9 GR post, brandishing placards and raising slogans against the proposed replacement. They highlighted concerns over the Assam Rifles’ alleged support to armed Kuki militants, fearing an increase in unrest if the 9 GR is replaced. Residents emphasized that the presence of 9 GR has provided a sense of security, and any change could plunge the area into uncertainty and fear.
Meanwhile, the United Committee of Pukhao and Makeng Dolaithabi Gram Panchayat urged authorities not to withdraw the BSF battalion from Purum village. Committee members stressed that since the onset of the crisis on May 3, peripheral villages in Imphal East district have faced attacks by armed miscreants. The deployment of BSF-37E COY in Purum village has significantly controlled the situation, and its removal before peace restoration would be highly detrimental, they argued.
Thokchom Sanjoy Singh, a committee member, highlighted that the area, including Pukhao, Leitanpokpi, and Dolaithabi, has been declared a ‘RED ZONE’ due to relentless attacks. He emphasized the importance of retaining BSF-37E COY in Purum village to ensure safety and security, pledging indefinite shutdown of the Imphal-Pukhao road if their demand is ignored.