Sit-in denounces armed conflict in Heirok area

IMPHAL, May 22: In protest against the frequent occurrence of armed conflict in Heirok Part II Chingol area in Thoubal district causing fear psychosis to the villagers, a sit-in-protest was staged by villagers of the area today.

Speaking to news persons on the sidelines of the protest, one of the villagers said that Heirok Part II Chingol area is a peaceful locality with most of its villagers working as daily bread earners.

He lamented that the villagers have been gripped with panic and fear psychosis due to the armed conflict in the form of bomb blast, firing and ambush that are taking place in the area frequently.

Given the situation, the villagers hesitate to go out for daily work. Students and children have also been affected psychologically due to such incidents, he said.

He also said that the ambush laid on a convoy of BSF by militants in the area last Thursday came at a time when fear gripped the villagers following the brutal assault on workers engaged in the construction of a mini barrage dam by cadres of NSCN (IM) in the locality on March 10.

Stating that the locality has been reduced to a battlefield, he fervently appealed to all concerned not to repeat such acts in the area in future.

Several placards which read, “Chingkhol Leikai Like Peace”, “We condemn armed conflict in public areas”, “No water no fish, no people no freedom” etc were held by the protestors at the protest site.