A chronological report on Manipur violence 2023 from May 3 : Part II (June)
Takhellambam Geetchandra Meitei
Contd from previous issue
27th June 2023 Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India has issued instructions to the Chief Secretaries of Manipur and Mizoram to collect the biographic and biometric details of illegal immigrants found entering the two states. The Deputy Commissioner of Churachandpur District Dharun Kumar stated 108 relief camps were opened at Churachandpur District, nearly 20,000 displaced persons are currently taking shelter in relief camps.
28th June 2023 Kuki militants fired at farmers at Phubala, Bishnupur District, one semi-pucca farm house belonging to the Meitei community was burnt at an area near Singgeirok bordering Langchingmanbi Reserved Forest. Kuki militants reportedly present at Chingyan-thel between Haotak Khullen and Chingfei Ching fired several rounds of bullets at farmer. The farmers had gone to Phubala Maning High Canal to bring water for irrigation when they were fired at indiscriminately by Kuki militants who built bunkers in the area, said the reports. Later, a large number of womenfolk from Phubala, Sunsiphai, Naranseina, Moirang and Thinungei stormed the area and confronted with Central forces for doing nothing even firing to civilians.
29th June 2023 Congress leader Rahul Gandhi arrived at Imphal on 2 day visit to observe ground situation of Manipur. After landing at Imphal Airport a convoy of Rahul Gandhi moves toward Churachandpur by-road to meet displaced people were stopped by State Police in front of Bishnupur Police Station. The convoy was accompanied by Former Chief Minister Okram Ibobi, MPCC President K. Meghachandra and other leaders of congress. Large numbers of people of Bishnupur stormed the area and demanded to allow Rahul’s convoy move ahead. Police fired Tear gases to disperse the mob. Later, Rahul returned towards Imphal and took a helicopter to reach Churachanpur. Two volunteers guarding Meitei villages at Senjam Chirang were killed and seven others sustain injured in an attack using sophisticated weapons and bombs by suspected Kuki militants. Kuki militants attack continued at Khurkhul Maning Leikai, Chirang, Haraothel in Imphal West District. The lifeless body of one Waikhom Nilachandra killed in Senjam Chirang gunfight brought to Khwairamband Keithel, Imphal and paid tributes by large numbers of people. Police fired tear gas canisters and stun grenades to disperse the people and shifted the body to JNIMS Morgue.
30th June 2023 Congress leader Rahul Gandhi met Governor Anusuiya Uikey at Raj Bhawan to bring peace in Manipur. Rahul also met the representatives of COCOMI, UNC, STDCM, prominent personalities including JNU Professor Bimol Akoijam and listened their problems. The rioters burnt two waste collection vehicles which were parked on the side of Keishamthong, Imphal West District was set on fire. Chief Minister N. Biren Singh has decided to go to the Raj Bhawan to tender his resignation to the Governor. A large numbers of women blocked CM Gate, demanded “not to step down”. Later, the Meira Paibis snatched the resignation letter and tore it.
The writer is a Research Scholar at the Department of Social Work, Manipur International University and can be contacted on Email : geetmangang2@gmail.com