Photo Courtesy: ukhrultimes
Imphal: Three major community groups have joined forces to condemn the establishment of a temporary Assam Rifles outpost at New Heaven in Manipur’s Ukhrul district. The Katho Katamnao Long, Katho Long, and the Katho Women Coordination Committee claim the deployment of 40 personnel occurred without any consultation or permission from local village authorities.
In a joint statement issued on June 4, the organizations labeled the outpost an encroachment on Shokvao Village jurisdiction. They argue that the move violates the Manipur Village Authorities in Hill Areas Act of 1956. Despite repeated requests from community leaders for the 40 Shangshak Battalion to vacate the area, the force remains in place.
Local residents emphasize that their frustration centers on the lack of respect for established administrative procedures rather than the presence of security forces themselves. One local source stated, "Our village womenfolk are at the forefront of engaging with the Assam Rifles (40 Shangshak Battalion) to stop them from carrying out activities within our jurisdiction. We will not allow any activities under the pretext of security arrangements when they do not even consider reaching out to us."
As of June 6, the three organizations have issued a formal demand for the immediate withdrawal of all personnel from the site. The groups warned that the Assam Rifles will be held fully accountable for any untoward incidents resulting from their continued presence in the area.
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