UYOK HILLS: Following recent reports of battles between terrorists and security forces, residents of a number of villages have begun a protest to urge the government to refrain from transferring central soldiers from Uyok Hills. According to officials, since Monday night, residents of the villages of Thamnapokpi, Sanasabi, and Yaingangpokpi near Saibol have been staging a sit-in at the base of Uyok Hills.
According to the officials, the villagers fear that central forces like the BSF and CRPF, who were recently stationed in Saibol village, which borders the Imphal East district, may be removed “under pressure.” On the evening of January 3, the Kangpokpi district’s superintendent of police was hurt when a mob stormed his office because the officer was accused of failing to withdraw central force from Saibol.
“Unverified rumors have been circulating that the central forces based at Uyok Hills will be relocated. Mangi Leima, one of the protesters, stated, “We are camping here to beg the CRPF and BSF not to give in to the pressure from the Kuki groups.” Leima asserted that armed miscreants would assault the communities once more if the troops were removed from the area.
Last month, armed men from the outskirts of Saibol village opened fire on the low-lying settlements of Thamnapokpi and Sanasabi, injuring four people, including a police officer. This sparked gunfights between security personnel and suspected tribal militants. Central forces entered Saibol village after the gun attack and demolished unauthorized shelters.
