Ukhrul: More than 22 women, including elderly persons, were reportedly injured during a clash with Assam Rifles personnel on Sunday amid protests against an alleged unauthorised military outpost being set up at New Haven in Manipur’s Ukhrul district.
According to sources, the clash erupted when women from different Tangkhul villages staged a protest against the outpost being established at New Haven, an area reportedly under the jurisdiction of Shokvao village along National Highway 202.
The protesters alleged that the outpost was set up without the consent of the concerned village authorities.
Videos widely circulated on social media purportedly show personnel of the 40 Assam Rifles lathi-charging protesters and using force against women demonstrating along the highway. The incident reportedly left more than 22 women injured, with some said to be in critical condition.
In a statement, the Working Committee of the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL-WC) strongly condemned what it described as excesses committed by the Assam Rifles against Tangkhul Naga civilians at various locations in Ukhrul district on June 7.
According to the TNL-WC, incidents occurred at New Haven, Finch Corner and Shokvao village, where Assam Rifles personnel allegedly confronted women from different Tangkhul villages who were staging what it described as a democratic protest against the military outpost.
The protesters were demanding that the security personnel vacate the site, alleging that no prior consent had been obtained from the village authorities.
The organisation claimed that several people, including elderly women and student activists, were injured during the incidents. It further alleged that Assam Rifles personnel fired multiple rounds from automatic weapons, lobbed tear gas shells and carried out lathi charges at different locations.
“Despicably, at Finch Corner, the Commander of the Assam Rifles’ 40 Shangshak Battalion, Col Sunil Singh Lunthi, personally led the lathi charge against the womenfolk,” the TNL alleged.
According to the TNL, the injured were rushed to Ukhrul District Hospital for treatment, where more than 22 women are currently undergoing medical care.
Condemning the actions of the Assam Rifles, the TNL described the conduct of the force as “uncalled for and truly unbecoming” of a professional paramilitary organisation.
The body said the incident contradicted the force’s slogan, “Friends of the Hill People”, and alleged that the Assam Rifles appeared to act as friends only to the Kuki community.
The TNL also questioned the role and visibility of civilian governance in the state, asking whether incidents such as this should raise concerns about the extent of military influence in Manipur.
It further questioned the absence of elected representatives and the popular government in addressing such issues.
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