Released BSF Driver a Member of Arambai Tenggol, Social Media Users Point Out

Social media users were keen eyed enough to point out that the Meitei driver of Border Security Forces, who was released by a group of Kuki elders and youths on January 3 at a Kuki dominated area of Lailoiphai, near Sugnu, is believed to be one of the cadres of Meitei armed militia group – the Arambai Tenggol.

The photo of the released Meitei, which was captured during his custody in the hands of Kuki volunteers, resembles the image of one of the armed men in another group photo of Arambai Tenggol. If the allegation is true, there is an apprehension that the BSF dgeeliberately used him for mischievous activity against the Kukis. It shows the BSF’s incompetency in handling the strife-torn State between the warring communities.

The incident occurred when Dingku mistakenly drove into T. Lailoiphai, a Kuki village, while transporting BSF personnel to their headquarters at Serou Practical High School in Kakching. There was a heated argument between the BSF personnel and the Kuki volunteers, after which Dingku was safely released by the Kukis, showing humanity amidst war.

The BSF convoy had mistakenly taken a wrong route and ventured into T. Lailoiphai village, where they were intercepted by a Kuki mob that started verifying the identity of the drivers.

All other drivers were Muslims and were not harmed. Dingku was pulled down by the mob and an argument broke out between the mob and BSF personnel. An audio recording of Dingku conversing with the vehicle owner reveals he was blindfolded and taken to a hill by some youth and village elders, from where he was handed over to Assam Rifles and BSF. Dingku and the vehicle have been handed to Bishnupur police by Sangaikot police.

However, the irony is that, many social media users have pointed out that Dingku is a cadre of armed militia group Arambai Tenggol, currently responsible for the violence in Manipur. It is absurd to guaze that the Border Security Force who are manning the buffer area in the present violence is using someone who has involvement in the armed militia group. It is known to all that Kukis cannot enter Meitei’s area and vice-versa. The irresponsible BSF action almost led to bloodshed.

The BSF who are stationed in the area must be aware of the precarious situation prevailing at the moment, and any doubtful persons or activities could immediately result in a dreadful outcome. 

Or another intriguing question which arises out of BSF action is that the BSF could be hand in glove with the Arambai Tenggol. Of all people, why did the BSF choose someone who has connection with the Arambai Tenggol to be their driver? Is he given the needed assistance by the BSF to spy on the Kuki areas?