With inputs received from ground zero, the Commanding Officer of 1 Assam Rifles at Sehlon was reportedly abetting the infiltration bid of Meitei militants to India from Myanmar. The Meitei militants were trying to enter India illegally from Myanmar via Aivomjang village, bordering India (Manipur) and Myanmar.
Locals said that at around 7 pm on Wednesday, some Meitei militants tried to cross over to India through Aivomjang village. The CO of 1 AR, who is a Meitei, tried to illegally welcome those Meitei militants to India.
This illegal infiltration bid and the act of Assam Rifles CO has caused an alarming situation in the area. It may be noted here that after heavy exchange of fire between PDF and Meitei militants at Canan in Myanmar, the Meitei militants then fled to Aivomjang village in Chandel district, India and sought refuge to the Meitei Assam Rifles officer.
Angered over the deliberate act of the Assam Rifles official, the locals in the region gathered at around New Samtal Assam Rifles Camp in a bid to stop the transportation of Meitei militants to Imphal valley. The Assam Rifles CO was reportedly planning to transport the militants to Imphal valley and has already arranged a Truck for their transportation.
The CO is now flexing his muscles and authority against the locals by forcing them to accept his plans.
Also Read || Dingpi area in Chandel district protest against appointment of Meitei AR Official
Till the time of filling this report, womenfolks in the area gathered in large number to block the transportation of Meitei militants into the Imphal valley.
It may be recalled that Dingpi area under Khengjoi Sub-Division in Chandel district on September 2 protested against the proposed deployment of Assam Rifles Unit under the command of a Meitei officer at Sehlon, Chandel district.
Briefing media persons at the sideline of the protest back then, Thangjamang Haokip, Secretary Kuki Chief Association, Khengjoi had said, “Considering the geo-political situation at the moment, we are strongly against the appointment of a Meitei AR officer at Sehlon. We are not against the Assam Rifles, but we are strongly against the appointment of a Meitei officer, when misunderstanding between the two community is already at its peak. The mistrust can hamper the already existing cordial relationship between the Assam Rifles and it’s people.”
As the area was pre-dominantly occupied by the Kuki people, appointing a Meitei officer at such juncture would only heighten the volatile situation in the state, he had said.
It may be noted here that, in a routine movement of Assam Rifles, the 13 Assam Rifles posted at Sehlon in Chandel district was to be replaced by 1 Assam Rifles, whose Commandant Officer is a Meitei. This has led to apprehension among the local populace considering the ongoing ethnic conflict between the Kukis and Meiteis.
