Photo Courtesy: ukhrultimes
Imphal: The United Naga Council (UNC) and the All Naga Students’ Association Manipur (ANSAM) have issued a strong condemnation following violent clashes between Assam Rifles personnel and Naga civilians in Ukhrul District. The organizations report that 22 women and a student leader were injured after security forces allegedly used live ammunition and lathi-charged peaceful protesters at New Haven, Shokvao, Finch Corner, and Shangshak village on June 7.
Naga leaders stated that the protests were directed at the establishment of a military camp at New Haven, which they claim was set up without the mandatory consent of village authorities. In their official statement, the UNC declared, "The use of such excessive force against unarmed womenfolk exercising their democratic right to protest is unacceptable and alien to Naga culture." They are demanding an immediate judicial inquiry, the withdrawal of the camp, and the prosecution of those responsible for the violence against the civilians and student leader M. Kasar.
Separately, the organizations condemned a fatal attack on Pongringlong-1 village on June 8. According to reports, Kuki militants ambushed the village, resulting in the death of civilian Chungjanglung Panmei. The ANSAM also noted a separate ambush on Rongmei Naga Village Guards at Charol Pandongba-l that left one person dead.
Both the UNC and ANSAM expressed growing frustration over what they describe as a pattern of state coercion and unchecked militant violence. They have called upon the Manipur and central governments to take decisive action, including the resolution of the ongoing abduction cases involving six Naga hostages. The groups warned that the continued lack of accountability is deepening fear across the region and undermining the rule of law.
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