People protest militants' attack on Govt. surveyors in Imphal

From ANI

Imphal, Sep.15: It seems there is no end to violence by militants in Manipur despite local people staging protest against extremists' atrocities.

In the latest incident, militants attacked three surveyors of the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, assigned to conduct a survey regarding usage of tobacco items in the State.

Three officials of the International Institute for Popular Science -- Moirangthem Romio of Sagolband, Laikhuram Hemjit of Kongba Keithel and Leimapokpam Gunindro Mayang, Imphal-- were badly beaten up by NSCN IM cadres.

The incident occurred at Lugathang village under Khoupum Police Station in Tamenglong district following which the victims had to be admitted to RIMS Hospital in Imphal with bruises all over their bodies.

The three surveyors visited the village to conduct a survey for a programme of the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

"We are unhappy. We are working for the government and militant group which is in peace talk with the Government attacking us in such manner is condemnable," said Laikhuram Hemjit, one of the victims.

Following the incident local residents staged a sit-in protest at Kongba Bazaar in Imphal appealing for an immediate end to violence in the State.

"We condemn the incident. A militant group, which is in peace talk with the Government, is beating people like this. It is a heinous crime. We want the state and Central government to take up strict measures against them," said Chandani, a local resident in Imphal.

"Militants are causing a lot of trouble for the civilians. For their selfish interest, they are throwing bombs, attacking people and taking part in other negative activities. We do not agree with this. They also live among us and they should know that we all depend on each other for survival," said Pramo, another local resident.

Lugathang village is among the 50 villages identified for coverage under the Union Ministry's Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) conducted throughout the country.

The survey would benefit the village in terms of awareness level of the local populace in checking tobacco-related diseases.

However, the incident comes as a setback, as no one would like to participate in the survey under such conditions.

Imphal News
Manipur News

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