Defying the shivering cold night of below 9 C at the foot hill of Uyok Ching, the womenfolk — all resident from three villages of Imphal East’s namely Thamnapokpi, Sanasabi, and Yaingangpokpi has intensified their demonstration holding night vigils, urging the authorities not to transferred the Central Security Forces stationed at Uyok Ching.
The Meitei Villagers, close to Saibol Village, have been on a sit-in since Monday (6 Jan, 2025) evening, after clashes were reported between militants and security forces. The villagers had an apprehension that the security forces such as BSF, CRPF stationed at Saibol Village, bordering Imphal East district, might be removed under pressure.
Close to 200 women from 3 village in morning-evening shift wise, had been in demonstration since the incidence, holds night vigil at the foothill not to let the central forces leaves the Saibol station, asking authority to retained them.
One from the women protestors Sushma, who joined the night vigils at foothills, said, “We’ve heard reports about the removal of central forces. That’s why we’re here, appealing to the CRPF and BSF not to bow to pressure from Kuki groups.” And withdrawing the forces might lead to renew attack from Kuki areas and want the CRPF and BSF to be retained her,” said Sushma. She also raised concerns about alleged encroachments, stating, “Those Kukis staying on the Uyok Ching hilltop should be removed. They have encroached on our area.”
The said has been in volatile since last month, after armed groups positioned near Uyok Ching targeted Thamnapokpi and Sanasabi villages, leaving four people injured, including police personnel. Later, the Central forces rope in to dismantle illegal bunkers built in the area. The situation escalated on January 3, after a mob attacked the Kangpokpi district Superintendent of Police’s office, injuring the officer over alleged inaction in removing central forces. Earlier, on December 31, security personnel reportedly used lathi charges against women protesters in Saibol village.
