Imphal, June 25 : Taking strong exception to the decision of the State Cabinet to deploy IRB and police commandos in hill districts, the Zeliangrong Students' Union Manipur (ZSUM) has demanded revocation of the same decision.
Asserting that insurgency rose because the Central and State Governments failed to accommodate the democratic pleas of the peoples, the ZSUM, in a press release, observed that the masses have been sandwiched between the colonial designs of the Government of India and unscrupulous intentions of the State.
Noting that deployment of IRB and commandos would not solve the socio-economic problems of Tamenglong district, the ZSUM conveyed apprehension that deployment of commandos and IRB may result in fake-encounters, unnecessary harassment to innocent civilians, violation of rights and dignity and disturbance to the peaceful atmosphere of Tamenglong district.
Asserting that there is no law and order problem in Tamenglong, the ZSUM asked the State Cabinet to revoke its decision immediately.
Likewise, close on the heels of people of Ukhrul and Churachandpur districts raising objection to deployment of police commandos and IRB personnel in these hill districts, the Chandel Naga Peoples Organisation, Chandel has also joined the opposition chorus.
According to a CNPO release released by its general secretary, 'since the declaration of ceasefire between Govt of India and NSCN, law and order situation in Chandel district is in peaceful atmosphere'.
Expressing that there is no need for deploying additional State forces like police commandos and IRBs in Chandel district as there are adequate Assam Rifles personnel, manipur Rifles and manipur Police operating in full swing, the release also conveyed of the CNPO, Naga Women's Union (chandel), Naga Students' Union Chandel) and Chiefs' Association of Chandel opposed to the State Government's recent decision to station commando and IRB personnel in the district.
The body also demanded that State Govt revoke the decision failing which various forms of agitation would be launched for which State authorities would be held responsible for any untoward incident(s).