Imphal, Dec 24 (UNI) A large number of people have been affected in the ongoing conflict between the army and the United National Liberation Front (UNLF) at Khenjoy village in the Manipur-Myanmar border areas.

The troops stationed in Manipur had launched a major offensive to flush out the militants resulting in the fleeing of villagers.

The Khenjoy village under Chandel district had been controlled by the UNLF for last few days.

The villagers said the army was engaged in gun battle with the insurgents and hence they had to evacuate. The major problem was scarcity of food.

All Tribal Students' Union Manipur (ATSUM), Kuki Students' Organisation (KSO), Working Committee of Apunba Lup had visited the displaced people at Khengjoy village in Chandel district.

ATSUM and KSO said, in a statement, that the anguish of the families, who were forced to flee, was pathetic.

Efforts were on to invite civil societies to work for the displaced persons.

While interacting with the team members, all the Chiefs of the above mentioned villages have expressed wish that landmines planted in and around their villages be cleared so that they could freely move.

They were also concerned about their future as they could not begin jhum plantation process.

UNI NS JYN AB 1421