Locals block BSF entry in Imphal east, order state forces in villages

Imphal East: Locals of Ishing Thembi and Sanjen Lok villages in Imphal East barred BSF personnel from entering their villages on Wednesday.

The locals blocked the BSF personnel in front of the Ishikha police post in Imphal East district, demanding the deployment of state forces in their area.
The move comes in the wake of repeated attacks by suspected Kuki militants from the nearby foothills, which have reportedly become a militant stronghold with several bunkers.
The villagers of Ishing Thembi and Sanjen Lok are passionately demanding the deployment of state forces in the foothills to protect their communities.

However, contrary to their pleas, the government sent Central Forces (BSF) to secure the area.
The women expressed a lack of confidence in the central forces, and refused to admit BSF personnel. Consequently, the BSF team is currently stationed at Sagolmang Police Station, awaiting further instructions.
S Ibemcha, a local Meira Paibi leader, speaking to the media about the precarious situation, highlighted the danger of Ishing Thembi and Sanjen Lok and stressed that the absence of security in the area has left them vulnerable to Kuki militants. Made an easy target for them.
She said that the villages have been gripped by terror and suffering since the crisis began, adding that local authorities have been urged to deploy state forces to protect the villagers.
However, she added that the deployment of central forces in the area is contrary to this demand.

Expressing his hopelessness in the central forces, Ibemcha asserted that the local people wanted the protection of the state forces.
Apart from voicing his concerns about the central forces, the Meira Paibi leader also criticized the failure and silence of local MLAs to visit the vulnerable zone despite the continuous sufferings endured by their people over the past two months. Expressed regret.
The situation remains tense as villagers’ pleas for state forces have gone unheeded, and central forces remain stationed at the Sangolmang police station.