LAPC Holds Public Rally, Appeals to 57th Mountain Division for Immediate Reopening of Army Gate Amid Unjust Road Closure

A peaceful rally was organized today by the Leimakhong Area Protection Committee (LAPC), as instructed by the Committee on Tribal Unity (COTU), aimed at fostering awareness and building bridges between the Army and the Kuki-Zo people of the Leimakhong area to ensure peaceful co-existence.

The rally, attended by a large number of participants, sought to emphasize the importance of maintaining peace and understanding in a time of heightened tensions. The LAPC reminded the public of the responsible conduct exhibited by the Kuki-Zo community during previous incidents. Notably, the community refrained from protesting the brutal act of pulling down a person in front of the Army near Haraothel on 4th May 2023, choosing instead to show respect for the armed forces. Similarly, two Meetei individuals caught near the Ex-servicemen colony in 2023 were handed over to the Army without incident.

However, the rally's focus also addressed several concerns. The LAPC and COTU condemned the abduction of a person from within an Army camp on 25th November 2024, calling the incident unfortunate. Despite this, the LAPC extended full cooperation to the Army during subsequent combing operations in local villages.

The rally also raised concerns over the Army's current policies, particularly regarding the entry of people from other communities into Army camps. The LAPC urged the Army to reconsider this policy to prevent further incidents of abduction and kidnapping, suggesting that local workers be employed instead to support developmental work in the region.

Another key point raised was the closure of the Army gates in Leimakhong, which serve as the primary lifeline connecting the districts of Kangpokpi and Churachandpur. Participants questioned the rationale behind the gate closures, highlighting the adverse impact on essential daily services such as ration distribution, medical treatment, and transportation for local residents. The LAPC voiced concern over potential human rights violations due to restricted access to these vital services, which had been provided without issue for decades.

The rally also called attention to the disruption caused to candidates of the Territorial Army recruitment process. Medical candidates, who had been directed to undergo re-examinations at the 183 Military Hospital in Leimakhong, were reportedly turned away without receiving the necessary medical check-ups, leading to further frustrations in the community.

In conclusion, the LAPC demanded the immediate reopening of the Army gates, with the same timings of 6 AM to 6 PM and extended hours as previously observed. They emphasized the importance of these gates for the movement of the local population, particularly during the ongoing ethnic conflict, where alternative routes are unsafe. The committee reiterated the need for the Army to respect the fundamental rights of the people in the region and to work toward a solution that upholds peace and cooperation for all.

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The rally concluded with a call for increased dialogue and resolution to the issues raised, hoping to restore a sense of security and mutual respect between the Army and the Kuki-Zo community of Leimakhong.