Photo Courtesy: The Sentinel
Imphal: The Katho Katamnao Long (KKL) has launched an indefinite blockade of highways within its jurisdiction following reports of violent clashes between local protesters and the Assam Rifles. The student organization alleges that security personnel used excessive force against unarmed civilians at Finch Corner, Shokvao, and New Haven on Sunday, leaving more than 20 women and the KKL president injured.
Tensions initially rose over the installation of a temporary Assam Rifles outpost at New Haven, which community leaders claim was established without the required consent of local village authorities. According to the KKL, peaceful protests against the site escalated when soldiers allegedly launched a lathi charge against demonstrators. The student body further claimed that personnel under the command of Colonel Sunil Singh Lunthi fired automatic weapons into the air and acted with extreme hostility toward onlookers.
The KKL statement specifically condemned the conduct of the forces involved, asserting that the violence was a targeted act of suppression rather than an isolated event. "The assault on the president was not an isolated incident," the KKL noted in a press release. The organization also alleged that the personnel involved in the operations were intoxicated during the crackdown.
Under the new non-cooperation policy, the KKL has halted all vehicular movement for military and security forces throughout the region. The group has granted exemptions for emergency services, healthcare, and media personnel to ensure essential functions continue. The blockade is set to remain in place until the Assam Rifles issues a public apology, removes the New Haven outpost, and takes disciplinary action against the officers responsible for the incident.
The Assam Rifles has not provided an official comment regarding the allegations. Local authorities continue to monitor the situation as the standoff persists.
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