Newmai News Network
IMPHAL, April 9
A designated camp belonging to United Revolutionary Front (URF-Chingkeinganba group) was set on fire by angry protesters and forced the cadres to leave it following a Thabal Chongba programme was scattered in Lamlai area under Imphal East.
A group of armed URF cadres beat some villagers of Napet and resorted to blank firing which dispersed the crowd present at the programme. In retaliation a large number of villagers attacked and torched the designated camp along with five two-wheelers.
Another two two-wheelers were pushed down into a nearby pond by the irate villagers hailing from Napet and its surrounding villages of Nungoi, Nongada and Lamlai Chatlou. The confrontation happened around10:30 pm. Lamlai is located about 19 km from Imphal city.
Injuries were not reported in the incident. Initially, the URF cadres armed with double barrel guns conducted a checking on passers-by in the vicinity of the venue. They assaulted two Napet villagers for not turning off their vehicle’s headlight while checking. They duo was on their way towards home.
The organisers were alarmed that the conduct of the cadres might disrupt the event. They then approached them and requested to discontinue the checking which was declined. Instead, two of them were thrashed at the spot which enraged the villagers.The villagers also chased and attacked the cadres who fled the camp. Earlier, the outfit’s cadres refused the Napet villagers to organize the Thabal Chingba at the ground where their temporary designated camp is located. They then organized the programme at a nearby field. Thabal Chongba, a popular folk dance of the Meitei community, is held as part of Sajibu Nongma Panba Cheiraoba, the Meitei New year which was celebrated widely yesterday.
A villager of Napet expressed anger against the outfit for busting the programme. Unnamed sources said the villagers decided not to allow URF cadres to stay at their camp. Putting the blame on Lamlai Police Station, they warned it to own up any unwanted incidents in future.
URF signed suspension of operation with the government recently and the group is currently under ceasefire. Unidentified assailants opened fire on the outfit’s camp on March 3 last. No one was injured in the attack.
