UKHRUL: The Assam Rifles have reportedly blocked vehicular movement along the Imphal-Phungyar highway at Shangshak Khullen in Ukhrul District, Manipur. According to reliable sources, the blockade began around 11:00 AM today and has continued as of this report.
In a viral video, Assam Rifles personnel wearing masks were seen halting vehicular movement. When confronted by a passenger, the security personnel objected to being filmed and were seen adjusting their masks, presumably to conceal their identities. One of the personnel could be heard saying, “Our convoy is also stopped there. Please don’t take videos.” No further explanation was provided during the confrontation.
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Another source indicated that an Assam Rifles convoy traveling toward the Indo-Myanmar border was stopped at Phungyar Headquarters and forced to turn back. Additionally, Assam Rifles personnel from Sorde, Kamjong District, were reportedly stopped at Maileng village earlier today. However, Ukhrul Times could not independently verify whether these incidents are related.
It is worth mentioning that an Assam Rifles convoy heading to the Indo-Myanmar border was also stopped at Wanglee village on Monday by local villagers. During this confrontation, the villagers questioned the Assam Rifles personnel about their inaction during an attack by suspected Kuki militants on the villages. They alleged that those security personnel stationed near the border villages were passive observers during the attack, which lasted about an hour.
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Moreover, the villagers had alleged the involvement of the security personnel in the attack. Subsequently, they demanded their removal from the region when the Manipur Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam, along with several Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs), visited the affected villages on May 9.
This is a developing story.
As per the latest report, the restriction has just been lifted.