Imphal: Villagers in Ramphoi are demanding the immediate withdrawal of the 11 Assam Rifles from Kamjong district. They claim the soldiers watched as Kuki National Army-Burma fighters burned down their homes. The attack occurred at 1:30 pm on Wednesday, leaving 25 village houses and 11 refugee camps in ruins. Property losses hit lakhs of rupees.
The village authority slammed the 11 Assam Rifles unit stationed 100 metres away for failing to intervene. They labeled the lack of action as a dereliction of duty. "The burning of houses is not merely the destruction of property but an assault on the dignity, security and fundamental rights of the villagers," the authority stated. Residents avoided injury only by fleeing into hiding when the assault began.
Tensions remain high over conflicting reports of the violence. The village authority accused the Assam Rifles of lying to District Administrators about the weapons used. They claim the unit minimized the threat by insisting the attackers carried civilian firearms. Meanwhile, the Border Security Force detachment at Kherongruen reported the use of sophisticated automatic weapons during the raid.
Villagers now view the Assam Rifles as biased and partisan. They want the force replaced by state police to ensure impartial protection. The village authority called on state and central leaders to hold the unit accountable and stop the violence before more damage occurs.
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