We defend with licensed guns says volunteers in Kangpokpi

Saikul Assembly Constituency in Kangpokpi district is one of the worst violent hit areas in the district. As many as 69 villages in the Sub Division were burnt down to date the latest being Twichin, H. Molhoi, and T. Wakonphai villages which were burnt down on May 28.

The worst part is that during the three days Amit Shah visited, as many as 25 villages in the sub-division had been burnt down.

Following the violent eruption on May 3 in Manipur, in Saikul AC alone more than 41 relief camps were set up by the community to shelter more than 4200 Internally Displaced Persons.

A committee comprising Finance, Defence, Media & Security, Medical and Sanitation, Relief Committee, Data Management and Stock in charge, External Affairs, Transportation, Hospitality, FIR-related, and Ambulance committee was also formed under the aegis of Kuki Inpi Saikul Gamkai (KISG) to monitor and manage the situation, relief camps, and Internally Displaced Persons in the Sub-Division.

In the peripheral areas of this assembly constituency, people, mostly men, roam around with guns at Gangpijang village, one of the peripheral villages located around 7 Km. away from the Sub Divisional Headquarters.

On inquiry, one of the village volunteers' leaders, said that we are the village volunteers guarding and defending our villages, land, and our people with licensed guns.

He continued that we have no sophisticated weapons and we have in no way connected with any militant groups or organizations as alleged by the Meitei community.

He also said that it is very unfortunate that whenever any gunfight occurs, the Meitei community always put a false and misleading accusation that the Kuki militants are attacking them.

"We have never attacked, they are attacking us, and we are just defending and guarding our land and people with our licensed guns. No militant outfits have ever been involved till now", he added.

He further said that since our village is in the peripheral areas, volunteers from various surrounding and adjoining areas also came here and made roaster duty to defend our land and people.

All the gunmen are in possession of their gun licenses.

Meanwhile, Goupu Chongloi, the overall in charge of the Relief Camps and Relief Meterials, said that initially we have no stock and it was the local resources from the Churches, village chiefs, and individuals contribution that we are able to meet the essential needs of the Internally Displaced Persons.

However, he continued that, now we have received contributions from within the state and outside from various organizations such as Naga People's Organization, Kuki Inpi, KSO from Nagaland, the Indian Red Cross Society, NEIGRIMS Shillong, to mention a few and various other organizations from Bangalore and other cities through Saikul Area Theological Students Association and InSIDE North East.

Goupu also highlighted the problems they have been facing with regards to medicines and other basic necessities stating that the stock they have now will only be sufficient for 4/5 days.

The National Flag or the tricolor were seen put up along the roadside and mostly in all the household and bazaar areas till today in Saikul Sub Division.

Chongloi explained that even if the Government of Manipur failed us, we still have faith in the Constitution and we feel safe under the fluttering tricolor, so, we put up the tricolor till today.