Womenfolk blocked State Security Forces heading towards Moreh at Tengnoupal

The state security forces led by 3rd IRB Commandant, H. Balram, heading towards Moreh was thwarted at Tengnoupal by womenfolk on Friday.

On hearing the news that about 10 vehicles ferrying state security personnel from Indian Reserve Battalion, Manipur Rifle and Commandos were heading towards strife-torn border town, Moreh, the womenfolk gathered in large number and blocked the road thereby, obstructing the state police from further heading towards the border town.

The womenfolk from Kuki-Zo community have been urging the concerned authority to withdraw police commandos from Moreh town, and the people of Moreh had also urged the Union Home Minister, Amit Shah's intervention for the same when he visited the border town in the month of May.

The proposed additional deployment of state security forces, amidst demand for removal of Police commandos from Moreh, enraged the people of Kuki-Zo community. As per the meeting of Kuki-Zo CSOs with officials of the office of the DC, Tengnoupal District, in the presence of representatives of Sector 26 AR, the district administration conveyed that the Ministry of Home Affairs has passed an order for deployment and assurance of safe passage to Manipur Commandos to Moreh.

On further investigation, it has been ascertained that no such order has been passed by the MHA. Rather, this attempt to deploy reinforcement of state forces has its genesis at the CMO, Imphal, sources said Kuki CSO as saying.

There is a tense stand-off at Tengnoupal right now between the security forces and the womenfolk.

The volatile situation has the potential to turn into something which could lead civilian casualties.

As per sources, the Superintendent of Police of Tengnoupal, Luikham, IPS, urged the womenfolk that only the state security personnel belonging to tribal communities be permitted to move forward, but was vehemently denied by the protesters.

The womenfolk were seen taking dinner in the middle of the road in their bid to thwart the movement of Police commandos until the security forces retreat for Imphal.

Source also cited that Rapid Action Forces were also sent to clear the way for state security forces to avoid any hindrances from Imphal but halted their movement at Pallen Commando Complex.

According to report, the state security forces' convoy consist of about 11 vehicles heading towards Moreh from Pallen Police Station. However, 1 vehicle broke down on the way and had to return. The remaining 10 vehicles furthered their movement to be blocked at Tengnoupal.

The convoy of state security forces were still reportedly stranded at Assam Rifle Camp in Tengnoupal.