Ukhrul: A legal awareness program focusing on anti-terrorism laws was organised by the Discussion Forum Ukhrul (DFU) and All Hunphun Tangs Association (AHTA) at Awontang Community hall in Ukhrul district headquarters on Saturday.
The awareness programme reviewed the effectiveness of anti-terror laws such as Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA), and the Terrorist & Distruptive Activities (Prevention) Act (TADA) in protecting citizens in the hill districts.
According to LM Thanmi, co-convener of DFU, the legal awareness programme was aimed to educate and how to tackle the issues through procedures further spread far and wide on the prevailing situation in the districts of Ukhrul and Kamjong.
Addressing the gathering as a resource person, Daniel Ramsan, a senior advocate of the Manipur High Court and the Chairman of the Investigation at the Manipur State Commission for Scheduled Tribe (MSCST) spoke on safeguarding tribal rights through legal procedures.
He stated that the Manipur Village Authorities Act, 1956 guarantees and protects the rights of tribal communities and empowers village authorities to exercise powers under Section 16 of the Act.
Ramson said that matters relating to law and order are also entrusted to village authorities under Section 16 of the Act.
“Any violation can be dealt with directly by the village court, which has the authority to impose punishment, including imprisonment of up to one month,” he said.
He further highlighted that under the provisions of the Act, security forces or others must obtain permission from the concerned village authorities before entering a village.
Ramsan also urged the village authorities of the Tangkhul Naga community to study the Village Authority Act, 1956 to better understand the rights and powers granted to them under the Constitution.
Meanwhile, rights activist Hungyohong launched a scathing attack on the Government of India (GoI) for its alleged silence over what he described as repeated acts of violence by Kuki militants that have endangered the safety of the Naga people, especially the Tangkhul people in the hill district of Manipur.
Further speaking on the issue, Hungyohong said that Centre had enacted several stringent anti-terror laws over the years, including the Terrorist & Distruptive Activities (Prevention) Act 1985, 1987, 1997, Prevention of Terrorist Act (POTA) 2002, repeal Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), aimed at curbing terrorism activities in the country. However, he alleged that despite these legislations, the government has failed to adequately protect citizens in the conflict-affected areas of Manipur.
Accusing the Centre of adopting a “double standard” and showing insincerity, Hungyohong further stated that India is also a signatory to the international efforts such as the Joint Working Group (JWG) to eliminate terrorism globally.
He cited the example of the Pahalgam terror attack in 2025, stating that India had swiftly responded with a surgical strike. In contrast, particularly the Tangkhul community have been suffering from repeated attacks by Kuki militants since February 7, with little visible action taken.
Hungyohong also alleged that more than three months have passed since the incidents began, yet the militants involved remain at large.
He noted that several Tangkhul villages, including Sinakeithei and villages in the Litan area, are still unable to move freely due to fear of bullets being fired from different directions.
Hungyohong urged the government to act impartially and ensure the protection of innocent civilians, stressing that all citizens are entitled to equal protection and security under the Constitution of India.