IMPHAL, Dec 14 ? Myanmar military junta are yet to hand over over 200 ethnic tribals from Manipur who are taking shelter at different makeshift camps in Myanmar after fleeing their homes because of sporadic gunfights between the Indian troops and activists of the frontline outfit of United National Liberation Front (UNLF) at different locations in Chandel district of Manipur.
Talking to this correspondent, Manipur police chief in-charge Y Joykumar said that about 200 villagers from Manipur on Sunday fled to neighbouring Myanmar following heavy exchange of fire between the Army and separatist Manipur People?s Army, armed wing of the UNLF, in interior areas of Chandel district of the State.
Residents of Old Samtal, Chejang and Tuitong on Manipur-Myanmar border crossed the international frontier and are now taking shelter at Myanmar?s Tamu town, 3 km east of Moreh, as the firing broke out. Some of the displaced tribals from Manipur are also taking shelters at Bolkan bazaar in Myanmar.
Heavy exchange of fire was reported at Tuiting and Mawchon areas in the same district on Monday. The encounter lasted for a few hours and the casualty, if any, was not known. However, a person, claiming to be the spokesman of the MPA, told local media that well-armed MPA insurgents attacked the securitymen at Tuiting and nearby Moyon area, about 100 km south-west of here around 8 am on Sunday.
Meanwhile, an all-community meeting was held at Moreh for the second day on Monday. The meeting decided to extend all their help to the displaced villagers when they are handed over to the State Government. Moreh Metei Council joint secretary Thoiba Ningthouja told this correspondent over the phone that the meeting agreed to arrange the necessary food and lodging for the villagers.