Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 06:
Under its initiative to help the marginalised and neglected people, the United Committee Manipur distributed relief material to the villagers of Aishi in Ukhrul district whose houses have been ravaged by heavy firing.
Aishi village, located at a distance of about 135 kms from Imphal under Kamjong sub-division of Ukhrul district along
the Indo-Myanmar border suffered extensive damage in a heavy firing that took place in the morning of March 3.The relief material distributed by UCM today to 8 affected families of Aishi included GI sheets, metal utensils, rice and clothes.
A team of UCM led by its president Konsam Langamba reached the village yesterday after which the relief materials were distributed today.
The simple gathering held in connection with distribution of the relief material was attended by village chief Lethong Haokip, former vice-chairman of Kuki Inpi Manipur Ngamkholun, former KSO president Paokam, UCM president K Langamba and other leaders.
Recounting the unfortunate incident, the villagers conveyed that the houses were gutted following indiscriminate firing which included mortar shells at about 10 am of March 3.However, the villagers could not identify the perpetrators as all of them fled to the nearby jungles for cover.
It may be recalled here that the Assam Rifles had claimed that the firing was perpetrated by MPA cadres while retreating from an encounter with 1st AR troops at Aishi area.
As published in newspapers, they also claimed that some MPA cadres were also killed in the incident.
However, the UNLF contradicted the AR claim asserting that the deliberate firing at Aishi village was undertaken by AR troops.
The outfit had also claimed of killing two AR personnel.
Regardless of who were the perpetrators, Langamba strongly condemned such acts whic amount to nothing less but violating human rights.
He asserted that even as the relief material provided to the victimised villagers are are not sufficient, the gesture is aimed at strengthening the bond of unity among the people.
Moreover, the UCM president assured the villagers that it would urge the State Government to address the basic problems of Aishi village like transport and communication infrastructure, drinking water and electricity.