Imphal: Tension gripped parts of Ukhrul district following allegations that the 40th Assam Rifles used force against civilians who were protesting the construction of a military outpost in the New Heaven area of Shangshak. The youth organization Khanuithot-Khon claims that villagers and Tangkhul women’s groups gathered peacefully at New Heaven, Shokvao Village, and Finch Corner to oppose the facility, which they argue was established without local consent.
The protests were organized in response to a June 4 appeal by the Kathe Katamnao Long, which urged the Assam Rifles to dismantle the site and respect local governance. Khanuithot-Khon reported that security forces bypassed dialogue, instead firing more than 200 rounds of live ammunition between 3 pm and 4 pm. The organization stated, "The organization alleged that security personnel resorted to force instead of engaging with the protesters."
According to the youth body, the operation left 22 Tangkhul women injured after they were struck with sticks and batons, including a 70-year-old woman identified as A.S. Khathingla. The organization further alleged that the president of the Kathe Katamnao Long was assaulted during the demonstration. Additionally, reports suggest that security personnel obstructed media coverage by threatening journalists and forcing them to delete captured footage of the events.
Khanuithot-Khon is now demanding a judicial inquiry and immediate disciplinary action against those involved. The group asserts that the military operation violated constitutional rights regarding peaceful assembly and undermined traditional village administration in the hill areas of Manipur.
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