Ukhrul, June 7: The Working Committee of the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) has strongly condemned what it described as the “excesses” of the Assam Rifles against Tangkhul Naga civilians during a series of incidents that occurred at New Haven, Finch Corner, and Shokvao village in Ukhrul district on June 7.
In a press communiqué issued from its headquarters, the TNL Working Committee alleged that Assam Rifles personnel engaged in a violent confrontation with local women who were staging a democratic protest against the construction of an alleged unauthorized military outpost at New Haven. According to the statement, the proposed outpost falls under the jurisdiction of Shokvao village, and villagers had not granted prior consent for the project.
The organization claimed that women from different Tangkhul villages had gathered to oppose the construction when security personnel allegedly used force to disperse the protesters. TNL stated that several people, including elderly women and student activists, sustained injuries during the confrontation.
According to the committee, Assam Rifles personnel reportedly fired multiple rounds from automatic rifles, lobbed tear gas canisters, and used lathi charges against the demonstrators at New Haven, Finch Corner, and Shokvao village. The statement further alleged that the Commanding Officer of the 40 Assam Rifles Battalion personally led the lathi-charge operation against the women protesters at Finch Corner.
TNL reported that the injured individuals were rushed to Ukhrul District Hospital for medical treatment, with some said to be in critical condition. The organization claimed that more than 22 injured women are currently undergoing treatment at the hospital.
Condemning the conduct of the security forces, the TNL Working Committee described the actions as “uncalled for” and unbecoming of a professional military force. The committee alleged that the incident raised serious concerns over the manner in which civilians, particularly women, were treated during the protest.
The organization also questioned the role of elected representatives and civil authorities in addressing public grievances related to the construction of the alleged outpost. It argued that the incident reflects growing concerns among local residents regarding military presence and decision-making in the area.
The TNL Working Committee urged authorities to take note of the incident and ensure accountability while safeguarding the rights of civilians to peacefully express their concerns.
The statement was issued by the Media Cell of the Working Committee, Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL).
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