IMPHAL |  The Chingdai Area Core Committee (CACCO) has issued a 24-hour ultimatum to Manipur Police, CRPF and CoBRA personnel, demanding the return of household belongings, livestock and cash allegedly taken during a combing operation at S. Phailengkot village in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district on October 20.

The committee, which represents the Chingdai area under the Saikul subdivision, alleged that security personnel removed several household items and valuables during the operation conducted in the early hours of October 20.

According to CACCO, the missing belongings include solar lamps, solar batteries, curved knives, traditional daos, power banks, mobile phone chargers, chickens and ducks. The committee also alleged that Rs 40,000 in cash was taken from residents.

Condemning the alleged incident, CACCO accused the personnel concerned of using the combing operation as a cover for looting and robbery. It also questioned the role of the commanding officer, alleging that adequate steps were not taken to prevent such misconduct by personnel under his command.

The committee has demanded the immediate return of all the allegedly taken property and money, setting November 4 as the deadline for compliance. CACCO warned that failure to meet its demand would compel it to lodge a First Information Report (FIR) against the personnel allegedly involved, their commanding officer, and the CRPF, CoBRA and Manipur Police.

“Respect civilians’ hard-earned money and property,” the committee said, holding the personnel concerned and their commander accountable for the alleged incident. The allegations have raised concerns over civilian property and accountability during security operations in the conflict-affected Kangpokpi district. However, the allegations against the security personnel remain to be independently established.