The Sinakeithei Village Authority on Tuesday submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister of Manipur, Yumnam Khemchand Singh concerning the urgent need for humanitarian assistance and the grave security threats posed by continued militant activities in and around Lungter Hill Range and Sinakeithei Village.
The following matters were placed before the Hon’ble Chief Minister for prompt review and action+
-Need of urgent medical aid and supply of essential commodities.
-Dismantling of militant bunkers at Lungter Hill Range.
-Relocation and stringent monitoring of SoO Camps.
-Misuse of the Leplen-Tingpibung Road via Sinakeithei
The memorandum reads, “we, the undersigned Tangkhul Naga leaders of Sinakeithei Village under Ukhrul District, most respectfully and earnestly submit this memorandum to draw the urgent attention of the Government of Manipur to the deeply alarming and precarious security situation prevailing in our area due to the continued presence and activities of Kuki militants in the Lungter Hill Range and along the Leplen-Tingpibung Road under the jurisdiction of Sinakeithei Village.
“The prevailing circumstances have created an atmosphere of profound fear, uncertainty and vulnerability among the innocent civilian population, thereby severely disrupting the normal socio-economic life of the villagers and undermining the sense of safety that every law-abiding citizen is entitled to enjoy. With utmost respect and humility, the following urgent matters are placed before your esteemed office, requesting prompt review and action:
1. Need of urgent medical aid and supply of essential commodities
The repercussion of the recent tensions and firings that erupted in Litan under Ukhrul District and the aftermath that followed has caused considerable disruption and significantly undermined the stability of our village. As a result, the only motorable road connecting our village to the capital city of Imphal and to the district headquarters of Ukhrul has been blocked, cutting off access to all essential services.
Due to this disruption in connectivity, the villagers are facing an acute shortage of food supplies, medicines, and other daily necessities. Many elderly people, children, and patients suffering from chronic illnesses are particularly vulnerable as medical assistance and essential drugs are no longer available locally.
In view of this urgent humanitarian concern, we humbly request the concerned Government to kindly arrange immediate medical aid for the villagers. We also appeal for the supply of essential commodities such as rice, pulses, cooking oil, salt, baby food, and other daily necessities. If possible, the deployment of a mobile medical team or temporary health camp in the village would greatly help in addressing the medical needs of the villagers.
2. Dismantling of militant bunkers at Lungter Hill Range
It has been observed with grave concern that Kuki militants have constructed fortified bunkers and entrenched defensive positions at the Lungter Hill Range overlooking Sinakeithei Village. From this elevated and strategically advantageous positions, militants have frequently engaged in sporadic yet repeated firing towards the vicinity of the village, thereby exposing innocent civilians to grave and persistent danger. These fortified installations have consequently become a permanent source of intimidation, insecurity and psychological distress for the villagers, who now live under the constant shadow of armed provocation.
In light of these circumstances, we most earnestly urge the Government to undertake immediate and decisive measures to dismantle these militant bunkers and neutralize any positions that endanger civilian life, so that peace, stability and a sense of security may be restored to the locality.
3. Relocation and stringent monitoring of SoO Camps
The presence of Kuki militants operating under the Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreement in nearby areas-particularly the Mt. Sinai Camp and T Gamnom Camp- has further intensified the prevailing security concerns among the villagers. Exacerbating the already precarious situation, an authorized militant camp has reportedly been established at Lamlai Chingphei Village near Ringui/Tungou Village in Ukhrul District, which raises serious concerns regarding the effective enforcement and monitoring of the SoO ground rules.
Furthermore, militants are frequently seen moving beyond their designated camps and traversing Sinakeithei Village and adjoining areas while visibly carrying sophisticated weapons. Such conduct constitutes a clear violation of the established ground rules governing the 500 agreement, which strictly prohibit armed cadres from intimidating civilian populations or engaging in activities that threaten peace and public order.
In view of the above, we respectfully urge the Government to relocate these SoO Camps to other appropriate and designated locations, preferably in districts such as Churachandpur, and to institute strict monitoring and enforcement of the SoO ground rules. Should these violations continue unabated, it may also become necessary for the Government to undertake a comprehensive review of the agreement and consider appropriate corrective measures, including its revocation if deemed necessary.
4. Misuse of the Leplen-Tingpibung Road via Sinakeithei
The Leplen-Tingpibung Road, which falls under the jurisdiction of Sinakeithei Village, is reportedly being used by Soo militants for their unrestricted movement and operational convenience. This has generated a profound sense of fear, psychological trauma and provocation among the villagers who depend on this road for their daily livelihood and mobility. The continued movement of armed militants along this route not only disrupts the fragile peace of the locality but also poses a serious and unacceptable threat to the safety of innocent civilians and cultivators who traverse along the road. Recent reports suggest that the armed militants have set up illegal checkpoints on this road, screening through every vehicle that passes through. These actions are further destabilizing the already volatile security situation.
We, therefore, earnestly request the Government to take appropriate and effective measures to prevent the misuse of this road by armed militants, and to ensure that the route remains secure, peaceful and accessible for civilian movement without fear or intimidation.
The entrenched presence of militant bunkers, unauthorized camps, and repeated violations of the Soo ground rules have created an untenable and potentially volatile situation which, if left unaddressed, may further jeopardize the fragile peace and stability of the region.
In view of the above circumstances, we earnestly request your esteemed office to kindly take immediate and necessary steps to address the concerns raised herein. Your prompt intervention will not only help restore normalcy but also ensure the safety, security, and well being of the affected residents.
‘We remain hopeful that the Government will accord this representation, the attention it deserves and take timely and decisive steps to restore peace, normalcy, and public confidence in the area” stated the memorandum jointly signed by Vashai Canaan Phungshim Zimik, Headman, Sinakeithei Village and Rungsung Ulysis, Chairman, Sinakeithei Village.
