Arming of Heirok people under SPO model
Public meet says no to SPO, yes to protection force
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 01: The uncertainty over whether the SPO model will be accepted by the people of Heirok or not was decided today after a public meeting, following much deliberations, arguments and discussions finally deciding that they would not agree to the SPO model and instead opt for either licensed guns for their protection, absorption into the State security forces or formation of force christened Heirok Protection Force.

Heirok people with differing ideas have their say physically during the public meet on SPOs

The meeting was held under the initiative of Heirok AC MLA M Oken and was held at his ground and presided by former Pradhan N Nabachandra.

As the public started discussing the pros and cons of arming the civilian, a number of youngsters said addressed the meeting with the message that the time for discussion is over and they should be armed to protect themselves.

So incensed were the youth that they were on their way to stage a walk out prompting MLA Oken to beseech with all to calm them down.

After a long discussion, the meeting decided to query the Government on what steps have been taken to address the grievances of the elders whose children died in the March 24 incident as well as the young girl, whose eye sight has deteriorated.

What has the Government and the NGOs done when Heirok shed its tears, it asked.