Imphal, Sep 3: After the situation became tense after a continuous gunfight between the security forces and anti-social elements, the Manipur government evacuated the last 10 Kuki families living in the heart of Imphal.

The families had displayed unwavering courage in the face of relentless threats during the ethnic violence.

The 10 evacuated families were taken 27 kilometres away to Motbung in Kangpokpi district, in the hills inhabited by Kuki and other tribal people.

“Many of us were woken up from our sleep and pulled by our arms into the waiting vehicles with only the clothes we were wearing. There were two babies,” Vaiphei said, expressing strong displeasure at this high-handed, abduction-like forcible evacuation,” said Reverend Prim Vaiphei, a 78-year-old clergyman.

The sectarian strife has caused a deep divide in Manipur, with non-tribals from the surrounding hills and tribals fleeing from the Imphal valley.

Vaiphei shared his perspective on the decision to remain in New Lambulane, which is merely 1.5 kilometres away from the CM’s residence and even closer to the Manipur Police headquarters.

At least 150 people have been killed and over 400 have been wounded in the violence that began in May.

More than 60,000 people have been forced from their homes as the army, parliamentary forces, and police struggle to quell violence.

Police armouries have been looted, hundreds of churches and more than a dozen temples ruined, and villages destroyed.

Also Read: Mother kills daughter by cutting throat in Garo Hills, buries body in house compound

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