Kamjong: Phungyar MLA Leishiyo Keishing on Thursday accused the 11 Assam Rifles of dereliction of duty after residents of Chassad allegedly blocked public movement, leaving nearly 20 vehicles, including his convoy, stranded for almost two hours.
The vehicles were stranded at Kamjong market after residents blocked roads at two locations using stones and other large objects.
They were later allowed to proceed following the intervention of Kamjong Police, Border Security Force (BSF) and Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB) personnel. A Casspir armoured vehicle was deployed to clear the obstructions.
Speaking to the media after crossing Chassad, Keishing alleged that Assam Rifles personnel had failed to intervene despite their responsibility to protect border residents and maintain security. He also accused the force of focusing on business activities instead of its assigned duties.
The incident occurred as Keishing and his team were returning to Imphal after a three-day tour of border villages amid renewed tensions in the region.
Kamjong Superintendent of Police Rocky Tholu said the Assam Rifles commandant had assured the deployment of a Road Opening Party (ROP) to ensure safe passage along the Chassad stretch. However, no such arrangement was visible when police and other security personnel escorted the vehicles.
Tholu said he would coordinate with the Assam Rifles commandant to contain the unrest and restore normalcy.
Tensions between the Kuki and Tangkhul Naga communities in Kamjong district escalated following an exchange of fire at Chassad on October 10, which claimed one life. Subsequently, two villagers from Ningchou were killed in an attack on the village near the India-Myanmar border by around 40 suspected cadres of the Kuki National Army (Burma).
On Wednesday night, a woman protester caught in crossfire also succumbed to her injuries.
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