Residents of Kanto Sabal continue protest today after school students travelling to Kendriya Vidyalaya, Leimakhong were prevented from proceeding by participants in a Kuki rally near the Imphal West–Kangpokpi border.
According to reports, the incident occurred at around 7:30 am near the Ex-Servicemen Colony, where around 30 students from different communities were on their way to school. The students were reportedly stopped by Kuki protesters and told they would not be allowed to pass.
The incident triggered protests by Kanto Sabal residents, who condemned the obstruction and demanded that school-going children be allowed safe and uninterrupted access to educational institutions, irrespective of the prevailing situation.
The Kuki rally was reportedly held in protest against the ongoing economic blockade imposed by Naga organisations seeking justice for six civilians allegedly abducted from Leilon Vaiphei village in Kangpokpi district on May 13. The bodies of the six victims were recovered on June 10, and their families have refused to claim the remains pending justice.
Residents urged the authorities to ensure that educational institutions and students are not affected by the ongoing unrest.
Meanwhile, The Village Development Committee (VDC), Kanto Sabal Women Welfare Organisation and the Parents and Guardians of Kendriya Vidyalaya (KV), Leimakhong students submitted a memorandum to the Deputy General Officer Commanding (GOC), 57 Mountain Division, Leimakhong, seeking enhanced security measures to ensure the safety of students and residents in the area.
According to the memorandum, the organisations urged the authorities to prevent Kuki protesters from advancing beyond Disha Boys, alleging that their activities have contributed to the prevailing tension in the area. They also called for adequate security arrangements to ensure the safe and uninterrupted movement of students attending Kendriya Vidyalaya, Leimakhong.
The memorandum stated that Leimakhong Chingmang, Premnagar and Ex-Servicemen Colony fall within Imphal West district and are inhabited by Naga and Meitei communities. The organisations urged the authorities to prevent what they described as “area domination” in these localities in order to maintain peace and normalcy.
They further appealed for the deployment of Naga and Meitei teachers at Kendriya Vidyalaya, Leimakhong, stating that such a measure would help improve the quality of education and facilitate the smooth functioning of the school.
The organisations also proposed that Ex-Servicemen Colony and Premnagar be maintained as neutral zones and requested the authorities to regulate movement in the area. They recommended the construction of a permanent Military Check Barrier (MCB) in front of, or above, the Station Headquarters near Chingmang to monitor movement and restrict unnecessary entry, while allowing access to residents of Ex-Servicemen Colony and Premnagar.
The memorandum urged the security authorities to take appropriate measures to safeguard students, maintain law and order, and ensure that educational activities continue without disruption.
