Photo Courtesy: nenews
Imphal: Tension exploded in Imphal East on Tuesday. Angry residents blocked roads in the Khundrakpam constituency to stop the government from moving a UNLF(P) camp. Security forces arrived to clear the path, but the crowd refused to budge. Officers fired tear gas shells to disperse the mob.
The camp sits about 2.5 kilometers from Uyumpok. It was set up following the 2023 ethnic violence that rocked the state. Locals claim the site acts as a barrier against hill-based insurgents. They fear the region will lose its only real protection once the group moves out.
Protester Mangaleima Devi questioned the government plan. "We have been living peacefully and without fear of attacks by militants from the hills since the camp was established. If it is shifted, who will ensure our safety?"
The UNLF(P) signed a peace deal with the Centre back in November 2023. It remains the first valley-based group to ink such an agreement. Despite the deal, authorities have arrested members recently. Charges include extortion, illegal gun possession, and selling weapons.
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