Tension continue to linger at Moreh
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 11: Two days after the spate of violence at Moreh which claimed eleven lives, tension still lingers at the border town with curfew still in place.

Non-local people and vehicles stranded at Moreh since June 9 due to the outbreak of the violence were prohibited to leave the place by a mob even as security personnel tried to escort them to Imphal today.

In the course of the agitation, 4/5 Tata Sumos suffered damages.

All the vehicles which were planning to leave Moreh today were made to park together at the sub-divisional Veterinary office complex by the mob.

On the other hand, altogether 528 people who fled to Myanmar in the aftermath of the June 9 violence were brought back to Moreh today under the initiative of Moreh ADC and SDPO.

Indian officials escorting the people who had fled to Myanmar after the June 9 violence back to Moreh

The people who were brought back today included 71 Tamils, 3 Kukis and 2 Muslims while the rest were Meiteis.

One middle aged woman Anandi disclosed that they took refuge in Myanmar frightened by the violence which erupted following alleged tacit support extended by Assam Rifles troops posted at Moreh to a particular group.

All the refugees including herself were provided adequate food and shelter at Namphalong by Myanmar Government, she conveyed.

One hotel owner, Gita, informed that rice and other food items stored in her hotel are being shared by the displaced villagers as the border town is facing acute shortage of essential commodities following closure of the international border on one side and disconnection with Imphal on the other.

On the day of the unfortunate incidents, more than 200 people were fed in her hotel besides providing them shelter.

Other hotels too catered to the basic needs of the affected people, Gita added.

Meanwhile, people were able to see cadres of one UG group involved in the Moreh killings moving openly atop the hill of Moreh Khunou, just about 1 km away from Moreh market since yesterday.

Apart from some rounds of gunshots heard from the distance today morning, there has been no untoward incident till the time of filing this report.

However, no civilian dared to move into the village as the armed cadres are still staying there.

The security forces deployed in the area also did not act.

Some people opined that the strength of security personnel deployed in the area is not sufficient.

While condemning the killings at Moreh, Hill Tribal Council president Jamang Haokip noted that the issue was not a communal one.

He maintained that until and unless Chief Minister O Ibobi come in person or send some one authorised on his behalf to bring an amicable understanding, HTC would not put faith on any party or individual.

It may be mentioned here that a team of MLAs including Ministers Th Debendra, Ph Parijat and TN Haokip arrived at Moreh today in a bid to restore normalcy in the trouble torn border town.

The team held minute discussion on the prevailing situation with leaders of the Meitei Council Moreh and Hill Tribal Council till late evening.

Meanwhile, the bodies which are being kept at Moreh police station after the post mortem are still lying there.