The Working Committee of the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) has strongly condemned the alleged excesses committed by Assam Rifles personnel during a series of confrontations with civilians in Manipur’s Ukhrul district on Sunday, June 7.

In a statement issued through its Media Cell, TNL alleged that the incidents took place at New Heaven, Finch Corner and Shokvao village when women from various Tangkhul Naga villages were staging a protest against the proposed establishment of a military outpost at New Heaven.

According to the organisation, the protesters opposed the setting up of the outpost, claiming that it was being established without prior consent from the concerned village authorities and on land reportedly falling under the jurisdiction of Shokvao village.

TNL stated that the protest was carried out democratically and involved women, elderly residents and student activists.

However, it alleged that Assam Rifles personnel responded with force, leading to injuries among several demonstrators at different locations.

The organisation further alleged that security personnel fired multiple rounds from automatic rifles, used tear gas shells and resorted to baton charges to disperse the protesters. It also claimed that the commanding officer of the 40 Assam Rifles Battalion stationed at Shangshak, identified as Colonel Sunil Singh Lunthi, personally led a baton charge against women protesters at Finch Corner.

According to TNL, those injured in the incidents were shifted to Ukhrul District Hospital for treatment. The organisation claimed that more than 22 women were undergoing medical treatment at the hospital, with some reportedly in critical condition.

Expressing serious concern over the developments, TNL described the actions of the security personnel as unjustified and inconsistent with the conduct expected of a professional paramilitary force. The organisation also questioned the role of elected representatives and governance institutions in addressing such incidents.