Manipur: Villagers, Meira Paibis welcome Assam Rifles after talks

Imphal: Following a joint operation to repel armed militants, the Assam Rifles have been stationed in Leimaram Waroiching villages in Manipur's Bishnupur district.

On May 16, unidentified armed men fired upon Uyok Village in the state's southern region. The Indian Army and Assam Rifles stationed in Leimaram swiftly retaliated, driving back the attackers.

Amidst the gunfire, around 75 Meira Paibis, a local women's rights group, were safely evacuated from Waroiching to Leimaram by security forces.

Previously, there were protests against the deployment of Assam Rifles in Leimaram Waroiching, replacing the 5/9 GR battalion.

However, an agreement was reached on May 17 during a meeting at the Bishnupur district Commissioner's office.

The meeting included Assam Rifles Commanding Officer, Bishnupur DC and SP, Meira Paibi groups, local clubs, and members of the public.

This agreement paves the way for the Assam Rifles to operate in the area with the consent of the locals.