UKHRUL: The Katho Katamnao Long (Katho Students’ Union), Katho Long, and the Katho Women Coordination Committee (KWCC) have jointly condemned the establishment of a temporary outpost by the Assam Rifles at New Heaven, an area they said falls under the jurisdiction of Shokvao Village in Ukhrul district.
The Longs (organisations) have expressed sharp disapproval of the deployment of 40 Assam Rifles personnel at the location, alleging that the force established the outpost without consulting, informing, or obtaining prior permission from the concerned village authority.
In a joint press communiqué issued on June 4, the signatories contended that the move constitutes a violation of the Manipur (Village Authorities in Hill Areas) Act, 1956, and undermines the authority and jurisdiction of the local village administration.
Describing the establishment of the outpost as an act of encroachment upon the village’s jurisdiction, the organisations stated that such actions are unacceptable and pose a direct challenge to the authority of the village authority. They further claimed that the village authority had, on multiple occasions, informed the Assam Rifles and requested the withdrawal of its personnel from the location.
Speaking to local sources, a resident alleged that despite repeated appeals by the village authority and community leaders, no action has been taken by the Assam Rifles to vacate what they described as an “unauthorised” outpost.
“Our village womenfolk are at the forefront of engaging with the Assam Rifles (40 Shangshak Battalion) to stop them from carrying out activities within our jurisdiction. We will not allow any activities under the pretext of security arrangements when they do not even consider reaching out to us,” the local source said.
The source further maintained that the opposition to the outpost was not directed against security concerns per se, but stemmed from what the tribal community views as a disregard for established village authority procedures and local consent.
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As of Saturday, June 6, the Katho Katamnao Long (Katho Students’ Union), Katho Long, and the Katho Women Coordination Committee (KWCC) have directed the Assam Rifles personnel currently stationed at New Heaven to withdraw immediately from the area. They warned that any untoward incident arising from the continued presence of the force at the location would be the responsibility of the Assam Rifles.