Editor
Imphal, June 22, 2023 - In an unexpected turn of events, a gathering of more than 2,000 women from Pangei successfully prevented a team from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) from entering the Manipur Police Training College (MPTC) in Pangei. The CBI team had arrived with the intention of investigating the theft of a significant cache of arms and ammunition from the MPTC's armoury, which took place during recent ethnic tensions in the region.
The women, assembled in front of the college's main gate around 2 pm, staged a peaceful sit-in protest, effectively blocking the entrance and denying the CBI team access. Despite the CBI team's arrival at approximately 3:30 pm, they were unable to proceed with their investigation and ultimately left the area after facing staunch opposition from the determined crowd.
The incident under investigation occurred on May 3 when a mob allegedly raided the MPTC in Pangei and made off with a substantial amount of arms and ammunition from the armoury amidst ongoing communal conflicts. Following the incident, the Heingang Police Station filed a case and initiated an investigation to recover the stolen weapons.
The initial theft of firearms from the Kangpokpi Police Station on May 4 triggered a series of similar incidents across Manipur's valley region. Multiple armouries, police stations, and battalions fell victim to this chain of looting, with sophisticated weapons being stolen in the aftermath of the riots.
To address the escalating situation, a CBI team arrived at the Heingang Police Station on June 21. Their objective was to gather crucial documents and information, carefully assess the quantity of weapons looted from the MPTC in Pangei, and develop a plan for their recovery. However, their progress was significantly impeded by the recent blockade orchestrated by the women at the college premises.
The reasons behind the women's protest and their strong opposition to the CBI investigation remain unclear at this time. The CBI is expected to reassess their strategy and work towards finding a resolution that addresses the concerns of the community while ensuring a thorough investigation into the arms theft.
The incident has raised concerns about the prevailing tensions in Manipur and highlights the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in the region. The CBI's efforts to restore peace and stability and recover the stolen weapons have been met with significant obstacles, underscoring the complex nature of the situation.
The CBI is expected to consult with local authorities and community leaders in order to reach a peaceful resolution and continue their investigation into the arms theft. The women's protest has drawn attention to the issue, and it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold in the coming days.
As the investigation unfolds, it is crucial for all stakeholders to prioritize dialogue and cooperation in order to address the concerns of the community and ensure justice is served in a fair and transparent manner.