Militants ransack houses in Nongshum village in ManipurIndia News and Travel Times Provides India-centric and other News and Features

Fear has gripped the villagers of Nongshum village in Manipur's Imphal district after suspected militants ransacked houses and beat up villagers. Militant violence has further forced people from the village to flee from their houses. According to reports, some 50 militant cadres of suspected Kuki National Army (KNA), which is a signatory of Suspension of Operation (SoO) came to Nongshum village and beat up all the men after dragging them out of their houses. They also broke into houses and destroyed belongings of the villagers. "We do not agree with what the militants are doing. If the militants have differences, they should resolve it among themselves and not trouble the civilians. We are farmers living on a day to day basis and such activities by the militants are make our lives difficult," said Sanjoy, a villager. While, Tamilia, another villager, complained that they have been suffering because of the militants, and said: "We are really suffering. If the militants took the right path, we would not be suffering. They are taking up harmful activities for their own selfish interest and are causing a lot of trouble for the people. If they were really working for the development of the state, it would be good, but they are not doing that and that is why we are suffering." Following the incident, villagers of surrounding areas of Khamenlok Kuki village, Khongbal Tangkhul village, Uyumpok, Taretkhul, Chanung, along with the representatives of various Meira Paibi and local clubs held a meeting at Nongshum Bazaar and decided to appeal to concerned militant groups. Meanwhile, security has been beefed up and security personnel have assured to cover the villages under police patrolling. "From our security side, police and Assam Rifles, we have assured that everyday this area will have mobile coverage and some of the people of Nongshum and Leikor, they wanted to have mobile coverage at least two times in a week but we assured them this mobile coverage police patrolling will be everyday," said Birbabu Singh, SDPO of Porompat Police Station. Militant activities have worsened the situation and taken a heavy toll on the region and the people who fight a battle for daily existence.