KPF joins anti Commandos chorus, warns

Imphal, July 22: Demanding review of the Cabinet decision to deploy Police Commandos and IRB personnel in the hill districts, Kuki People's Forum (KPF) has warned of taking recourse to various intense agitation against the Government if the decision is not reviewed.

Addressing a press conference at the office of KPF at Sahumphai village in Chandel district today, its chairman Yangkhopao Haokip categorically stated that the Government should be responsible for any eventuality in this regard.

Asserting that the decision to deploy Police Commandos and IRB personnel in the hill districts, in addition to the existing police stations at all the district headquarters and camps of other security forces is unreasonable, the chairman said it smacks of a hidden agenda.

While the Government did not listen to the demand to provide security forces to protect the life and properties of the people at the height of the insurgency movement in the hill districts, why should it think of deploying Police Commandos and IRB personnel when there is peace following the signing of Suspension of Operation ?, he questioned.

People in the hill districts would never accept deployment of Police Commandos and IRB personnel and sacrifice themselves to suffer in their hands not to mention of the hard earned peace, the chairman said, adding that instead of trying to disturb peace in the hills, the Government should pay attention to implementation of 6th Schedule and Autonomous District Council for the development of the hill districts which would be welcomed by all.

The advisors of KPF Ngamkhang Mate and Ngamkholet Haokip who were also present during the press conference observed that there is no report of any violent incidents in the hill districts of Manipur.

So the decision of the State Cabinet on deployment of Police Commandos and IRB personnel in the hill districts is unacceptable.

Failure of reviewing the Cabinet decision would only invite the wrath of the people in the hill districts and it would have serious impact in the Manipur society, they said, while announcing that KPF would extend full support to the 48-hour total bandh in the hill districts being called jointly by UNC, ANSAM, NWUM and NPMHR.