The Chingdai Area Core Committee (CACCO) has issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the combined security forces of Manipur Police, CRPF and CoBRA, demanding the return of allegedly looted civilian properties and cash during a combing operation at S. Phailengkot village in Kangpokpi district on October 20.
CACCO, which claims to represent the entire Chingdai area under Saikul Sub-Division in Kangpokpi District, alleged that security personnel had indulged in looting and robbery in the guise of a combing operation during the early hours of October 20.
Listing the allegedly stolen items, the committee said solar lamps, solar batteries, curved knives, traditional daos, power banks, mobile chargers, chickens, ducks and cash amounting to Rs 40,000 were taken from villagers.
Describing the alleged incident as an act of robbery by uniformed personnel, CACCO strongly condemned the conduct and questioned the failure of the commanding officer to prevent such alleged misconduct by personnel under his command.
The committee has demanded that all the allegedly looted properties and cash be returned within 24 hours of the issuance of the notice, setting November 4 as the deadline.
Warning of legal action if its demand is not met, CACCO said it would be compelled to lodge an FIR against the personnel involved, their commander, and the CRPF, CoBRA and Manipur Police.
"Respect civilians' hard-earned money and property," the committee said, holding the personnel allegedly involved and their commander accountable for the incident
The Hills Journal
K. Salbung, Churachandpur
Manipur-795128
