Newmai News Network
Imphal | April 25
The Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) has alleged that personnel of the Assam Rifles injured two civilians in separate incidents in Manipur’s Ukhrul district on Saturday, and demanded action against those involved.
In a statement, the working committee of the TNL condemned what it termed a “reckless and barbaric act” by the Assam Rifles at Talui, Hoomi and Vokngayar areas, claiming that two civilians were left critically injured.
The injured have been identified as Rose Vashum (47) of Talui village and Mashunphong Zingkhai (32) of Hoomi village.
According to the TNL, the incident began around 9:15 am when women volunteers at Hoomi Vokngayar stopped two vehicles carrying eight Assam Rifles personnel along the Ukhrul-Tadubi road and asked them to produce identification documents, citing the prevailing sensitive situation in the district.
The volunteers temporarily detained the personnel while awaiting members of the TNL working committee for verification. During this period, due verification and documentation were being carried out and one of the vehicles had already been allowed to pass, the statement said.
It further alleged that around 1 pm, a Casspir vehicle of the Assam Rifles, accompanied by other vehicles, approached Talui where local women had formed a barricade at the village entrance. The vehicle allegedly drove through the barricade, causing panic among the crowd.
In the incident, Rose Vashum sustained severe head injuries and was reported to be in a semi-conscious and critical condition, later referred to Imphal for advanced treatment, the TNL said.
The statement further alleged that at Hoomi Vokngayar, another group of volunteers attempted to stop the convoy, during which the Assam Rifles personnel resorted to firing to disperse the crowd.
Mashunphong Zingkhai sustained a bullet injury to the head and was undergoing surgery, it said.
The TNL claimed that by the time the convoy reached near Hoomi Vokngayar, information had already been conveyed that the detained personnel had been allowed to proceed, following which the convoy returned towards Ukhrul.
The organisation criticised what it described as the “insensitive conduct” of the Assam Rifles, alleging that such actions have heightened fear and mistrust among local residents.
It said that in view of the ongoing ethnic tensions in Ukhrul and Kamjong districts, security forces had been requested to inform civil society organisations in advance about their movements to avoid misunderstandings.
The TNL alleged that such protocols were not followed in this instance and reiterated that no movement should take place in Tangkhul-inhabited areas without prior information to relevant civil bodies.
The organisation demanded that criminal action be initiated against the commander and personnel involved, accusing them of endangering civilian lives.
There was no immediate response from the Assam Rifles regarding the allegations.
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