Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, September 01 2009:
The Khamenlok Area Chiefs' Association (KAWA), KAWU and KSO Iril Valley Saikul unit has strongly condemned the reported blockade of public transport buses by Nongshum villagers today.
This was in contravention of the resolutions adopted during the joint meeting held at Nongshum village in the presence of Imphal East SDPO Birbabu and officers of 19th AR Sagolmang post yesterday, decried a joint press release issued by KACA, KAWU and KSO Iril Valley, Saikul unit.
Recounting about the skirmishes in Khamenlok and Nongshum, it said that some self-proclaimed valley based insurgents wielding sophisticated weapons came to Khamenlok and H Khupibung villages at 2.30 pm of August 23 in inebriated condition.
After thrashing one Seikam Changloi and some students, the insurgents asked about the whereabouts of Kuki insurgents.
They also asked the villagers to send Kuki insurgents to Nungshum where they would be waiting.
But the valley based insurgents were drove away by a combined team of Imphal East commandos and troops of 23 AR after a gun-battle.
After this incident, KNO/KNA came out of their designated camp and went to Nongshum village where they conducted an operation.
In the course of the operation, damages were caused to some household properties, it conveyed.
It further questioned which organisation was responsible for thrashing and harassing the villagers.