Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 17 2010:
A signatory to the suspension of operation agreement, the Kuki Revolutionary Army (KRA) has allegedly threatened Leitanpokpi villagers of dire consequences in case the armed outfit's demand of Rs 3 lakh is not complied with.
Fearing reprisal from the outfit villagers have begun to maintain round the clock vigil with group of locals manning entry points of the village, especially after dusk.
An informed source said that Leitanpokpi village under Lamlai police station of Imphal East district has a population of about 300 .
The KRA demand reportedly served on June 25 was supposed to be paid by today (July 17) failing which the outfit has threatened to target atleast ten villagers besides burning down the houses.
The KRA demand is informed to be retaliatory action as the villagers have been accused of conniving with security forces leading to the arrest of two of its cadres along with a foreign made rifle last month.
A joint team of Imphal East police commandos and 23 Assam Rifles had apprehended the KRA duo, the source reminded while informing that KRA slapped a penalty of Rs 50,000 for each of the cadre and Rs 2 lakh as cost of the weapon.
Information has also been received that on June 24 some KRA cadres showed up at village and served a demand note of Rs 30,000 with one live round to a Leitanpokpi leader.
The villagers had been maintaining vigil since June 24 night, said the source while adding that as security measures troops of 23 Assam Rifles stationed at Sagolmang have intensified patrolling in and around Leitanpokpi village.