UKHRUL: Five women were reportedly injured in a confrontation with Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel at Leinganching village under Ukhrul District, Manipur, today.
According to reliable sources, the confrontation occurred when the womenfolk en route to Litan were halted at their village gate by Rapid Action Force personnel. The source stated that various security forces, including the 4 Mahar Regiment, the Bihar Regiment, the Gorkha Regiment, and the police, are stationed in the area. However, despite their presence, the Rapid Action Force arrived at the village at around 9: 30 AM. On being enquired about the reason for their presence, the RAF personnel failed to give a satisfactory reply, the source said, adding that the confrontation took place thereafter.
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The women were reportedly lathi-charged, resulting in grievously injuring one Thingreila R Zimik from Chingjaroi Ngachaphung village, who sustained injury on the head. She was immediately taken to the District Hospital for treatment.
The other injured victims are Thingyaola Angkang, Ramtawon Shokwungnao, Peimi Zingkhai, and Ngathingchon Angkang, all from Leingangching village. They are being taken to the Ukhrul District Hospital at the time of filing this report.
Villagers have expressed concerns about perceived bias among the security forces stationed in the area. They question how a combing operation could be conducted in Naga areas when, in fact, it was the Kukis who fired the shots.
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Meanwhile, another source indicated that the confrontation arose when the women reportedly obstructed the personnel from advancing towards a bunker established in the area.