UKHRUL: Residents of Laho Litan village have raised serious concerns over safety, livelihood, and education as tensions continue to escalate in the region for nearly two months.
T. Angkang, a member of the Laho Women Unit, said that women have been stationed on the ground for the past two months, guarding their land instead of fulfilling their responsibilities at home. “We should be at home taking care of our families as mothers, but instead we are here protecting our land. Our children’s education is being hindered,” she stated.
She highlighted that this period is crucial in Naga farming traditions, when sowing should take place. “Our lives have been disrupted for exactly two months,” she added.
The women’s representative also expressed distrust towards central forces deployed in the area, alleging that they feel unsafe in their presence. “We want the central forces to be removed and replaced with state forces. We do not feel secure with them,” she said.
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Referring to an incident on the March 24, Angkang claimed that central forces conducted a combing operation in the area with prior permission from the women’s unit, assuring them they would only dismantle bunkers and document the site. However, she alleged that the forces overstayed and attempted to remain in the area.
Questioning the continued deployment of the Rapid Action Force (RAF), she further accused personnel of using excessive force against women on April 7. “They assaulted us with dazzle rods, used electric shocks, hit us with batons, and sprayed chemicals. I woke up with severe allergies on my face and couldn’t even open my eyes,” she said, adding that many women reportedly suffered health issues, including dysentery, following the incident.
Meanwhile, NTY Zingkhai, president of the Laho Student Union, pointed out that students in the village are unable to attend school properly due to the volatile situation. “There are two schools in the village, but students are living in fear. Alleged Kuki militants have been firing at school buildings, creating panic among children and parents,” he said, noting that intense firing has continued over recent days.
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Appealing to authorities, Zingkhai stressed the long-term impact on the younger generation. “Our future depends on these students. If their education is disrupted, our future is at stake,” he said.
Residents also questioned the claim that National Highway 202 is open, citing continued attacks on civilians and vehicles. “If the highway is open, why are travelers being shot at from across the river?” a local questioned, adding that even vehicles carrying essential supplies have been targeted.
Laho villagers, largely dependent on farming and trade at Litan Bazaar, say their livelihoods have come to a standstill. With supply routes from Ukhrul and Imphal reportedly unsafe, access to food and essentials has become increasingly difficult.
Locals further alleged continuous firing in Laho, Litan, and Sinakeithei areas, claiming that armed militants have recently been shooting from morning until night. Youth in the village expressed concern over both the security situation and the alleged actions of central forces.
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“We are not happy that mothers who are protecting us are being assaulted. We do not feel safe with the central forces,” a youth representative said, urging authorities to intervene and deploy state forces instead.
Laho villagers have collectively appealed to concerned MLAs and authorities to address the situation urgently, ensure civilian safety, restore normalcy, and safeguard the future of their children.