Manipur CM Assures State Security Deployment in Nongshum Amid UNLF Camp Relocation Concerns
Imphal, June 29: Manipur Chief Minister Y. Khemchand Singh on Sunday assured residents of Nongshum and adjoining areas that State security forces would be deployed to strengthen security following concerns over the proposed relocation of a designated camp of the Pambei-led United National Liberation Front (UNLF).
The assurance was given during a meeting held at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat with a delegation comprising representatives of the Iramdam Kanba Lup (IKAL) and other local organisations. The delegation expressed apprehension over reports that the designated UNLF camp would be shifted from the area, raising concerns about the safety of nearby villages.
The meeting came in the wake of protests and road blockades organised by women and local residents in the Khundrakpam Assembly constituency on June 27. Protesters opposed the proposed relocation, arguing that the camp’s removal could adversely affect security in the surrounding peripheral areas.
During the earlier protest, demonstrators reportedly intercepted a vehicle transporting logistics linked to the relocation, burned military uniforms, and demanded that the weapons of departing UNLF cadres be handed over to local residents for self-defence.
Speaking to the media after the meeting, Th. Sanjoy, president of the United Committee, Pukhao Makeng Dolaithabi, said the delegation requested the Chief Minister to intervene and prevent the relocation of the camp.
According to Sanjoy, the Chief Minister informed the delegation that the issue is connected to peace negotiations being conducted by the Central Government, limiting the State Government’s authority to directly intervene in the matter.
However, the Chief Minister assured the delegation that the government would consider deploying State security personnel in the Nongshum area to strengthen security and maintain law and order if the relocation proceeds.
Residents maintained that the presence of the designated UNLF camp has served as an important security buffer for villages in the region and expressed concern that its relocation could create a security vacuum. They urged the Chief Minister to convey their concerns to the Central Government and seek a review of the proposed relocation.
Congress MLA Th. Lokeshwar, who also attended the meeting, extended support to the residents and stressed the need to ensure adequate security arrangements for villages likely to be affected by the proposed shift.
The issue has sparked growing public concern in parts of Imphal East, with local organisations continuing to seek assurances that residents’ safety will remain a priority amid ongoing peace-related developments.
