Insecure citizens to keep own vigil against gangs

Imphal, Sept 23 : Exposed to constant threats from extortionists and armed gangs, the idea of the civil society arming themselves is become current.

Gaining currency is also the idea of citizen vigil by various localities.

Locals of the New Lambulane area Imphal east district, left with a sense of utter insecurity, have decided gear themselves up to tackle such incidents of intimidation by barring entry of outsiders in the area from 7:30 pm and patrolling duty by the women folk at night in the surrounding area, with the motive to control such menace.

The development came close on the heels of the incident of the attack of a resident contractor and vice president of the Kuki Inpi Manipur, L. Haojakhup on the night of September 17 at round 8:30 pm, by armed miscreants.

While talking to IFP, Tong, an active functionary of the Tribal Youth Club,TYC, New Lambulane, revealed that the decision was adopted by three civil bodies of the locality.

“There was no choice left but to handle it ourselves. This is not the first incidents in the locality. A number of similar incidents including a bomb attack at the resident of a high ranking police officer has taken place,” he said adding, “we are really living in a mess because of such armed gangs, but we are not sure how effective it would be.”

He further revealed that the women folk would be guarding the surrounding area from 7:30pm onwards to check movements of any outsiders with the assistance from local clubs.

Meanwhile, denouncing the attack at the residence of L. Haojakhup, around 200 women folk of the locality staged a sit in protest today at the local market place.

The protestors held placards like “we want peace” “gun is not the solution” “stop gun culture” “live and let live” etc.

According to family sources of L. Haojakhup, the incidents was carried out by three unknown youths around 8:30 pm.

Three rounds fired by the miscreants hit the gate of the residence however there was no casualty or damage.

Further the sources said that there has been monetary demand of Rs. 5 Lakhs from a hill based militant outfits however it was not clear who carried out the incident, said sources.