Kuki-Zo villagers protest against the removal of BSF personnel in the fringe area

The Kuki-Zo villagers in various fringe areas in the hill districts vehemently protest against the Home Ministry's order to remove Border Security Force, or the BSF, personnel stationed in the fringe area ahead of the Lok Sabha poll.

Villagers of Thawai Kuki, mostly women, in Kamjong district under Litan Police Station took to the streets early this morning at around 6:00 a.m. protesting against the Ministry of Home Affairs' order to remove BSF personnel stationed in their village.

Hohoi Haokip, one of the protestors, voiced their intention to sit on the road and demonstrate until their demands were met.

She also declared firmly that no BSF personnel would leave their village until peace reigns in Manipur or alternative security measures are guaranteed.

Expressing their apprehensions, the protestors highlighted concerns about the safety and security of their village if the BSF personnel were to be withdrawn.

Facing the prospect of the BSF's departure, the villagers refuse to succumb to fear of their homes, their families, and the very fabric of their community while arguing that the withdrawal of security forces would expose them to the looming threat of further attacks.

Hohoi Haokip further said that our protest is not without reason, it harkened back to the tragic event of August 18 last year, when the armed Meitei militants unleashed terror upon our village [Thawai Kuki], where the Meitei militants brutally killed three of our brave village youths, Thangkhokai Haokip (35), Jamkhogin Haokip (26), and Boicha Baite (24), who stood guard against the onslaught.

"Their sacrifice remains etched in the collective memory of Thawai Kuki", said Hohoi.

While cautioning of potential displacement, Hohoi Haokip asserted that if the BSF personnel were removed, they would seek refuge in relief camps as Internally Displaced Persons.

In their steadfast resolve, the protesting villagers embody the unwavering spirit of resistance against diversity, refusing to yield until justice and security are ensured for all.

Their defiance echoes far beyond the fringe area of Thawai Kuki, resonating with communities across Manipur grappling with similar insecurities.

In Molnoi area of Pallel in the Tengnoupal district also protested against the decision to withdraw the BSF personnel since yesterday evening.

Villagers of H. Kotlenphai and Twisomjang have taken to the streets at night vowing to blockade roads in protest against the plan to remove the BSF personnel.