IT News
Imphal, Feb 3:
Dolaithabi Village Development Committee (DDC) has voiced the urgent need for the return of villagers to their homes and the deployment of Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB) forces for enhanced security. In a recent statement, DDC has said that the Dolaithabi village has faced a series of attacks on May 3, May 5, May 19, and May 23, 2023, rendering the residents unable to return to their homes.
It said that “a survey has been already conducted on November 10 by a team comprising of a village representative, Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO), Additional District Magistrate (ADM) Imphal, Superintendent of Police (SP), and representatives from the 18th Assam Rifles. The objective was to assess the situation in Dolaithabi village following the aforementioned attacks.”
The committee highlights that there was an attempt by the District Collector (DC), SDO, and Sub-Divisional Committee (SDC) to establish a relief camp at the northern side of Dolaithabi Barrage. Despite obtaining clearance from the SDO, the Assam Rifles objected to the construction, insisting on official approval. Notably, the buffer zone enforced by the Assam Rifles has failed to prevent attacks on the village.
The DDC’s statement seeks to clarify misinformation circulating in a daily newspaper report dated January 31, 2024. The report erroneously claimed that DDC supports the 18th Assam Rifles post under the command of Colonel Akash. The DDC emphasizes that the statement was signed by Thokchom Sanjoy, who is not a resident of Dolaithabi but hails from Pukhao Terapur. The committee has urged Sanjoy to clarify his stance and refrain from making such misleading statements in furture. Furthermore, DDC demands the removal of the 18th Assam Rifles from the area.
In light of the persisting security concerns, the DDC appeals for the immediate return of villagers to their homes and advocates for the deployment of IRB Forces to ensure the safety and well-being of the community. The committee urges relevant authorities to address these pressing issues promptly and collaboratively to restore normalcy in Dolaithabi village.
