A confrontation between Assam Rifles personnel and villagers in Manipur's Ukhrul district on Sunday left approximately 20 people injured, according to local sources. The incident occurred when protesters gathered along the Imphal-Ukhrul road to object to the establishment of an allegedly unauthorised Assam Rifles outpost in the New Heaven area of Shokvao village.
Clash Details
Police sources reported that the clash took place between 3pm and 4pm on Sunday. The Assam Rifles resorted to tear gas shelling, blank firing, and lathi charge to disperse the crowd. Most of the injured were women, as per local accounts.
Villagers' Grievances
A villager speaking on condition of anonymity stated that the village authority was not consulted before setting up the outpost, leading to opposition. "Besides, there is apparently a lack of trust towards the Assam Rifles," he said. He clarified that the villagers are not against the deployment of security forces but oppose any construction or outpost establishment without consulting the village authority. Sources indicated that the outpost was planned due to ongoing tensions between Naga and Kuki groups in Ukhrul district since February.
Student Body Condemnation
The Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong (TKS), the apex student body of the Tangkhul community, condemned the Assam Rifles for the alleged assault on the president of Katho Katamnao Long (KKL), intimidation of unarmed women with live rounds, and suppression of a peaceful democratic protest at Shokvao Village. In a statement, TKS accused the Assam Rifles of showing "blatant disregard for the rights of landowners and the authority of the village" by forcefully establishing an outpost without consent, violating the Manipur (Village Authorities in Hill Areas) Act, 1956.
The TKS also questioned the selective conduct of the Assam Rifles, alleging that they act aggressively against unarmed civilians but fail to address armed violence and unlawful activities by Kuki militant groups, including attacks along NH-202 that destabilise peace in the region. The student body urged authorities to conduct an impartial, time-bound investigation and ensure exemplary punishment for all Assam Rifles personnel involved.
