UKHRUL: Amid the ongoing tensions and blockade along NH-202 in Manipur, serious concerns have been raised over the alleged conduct of Assam Rifles personnel stationed at Shangshak in Ukhrul district.
Civil society group Khanuithot-Khon, has strongly condemned the reported obstruction of civilian vehicles using the Shangshak route, calling the actions unconstitutional, inhumane, and deeply alarming. According to the statement issued by the organization, the Shangshak route has become a crucial passage for civilians as NH-202 continues to remain disrupted due to the ongoing Kuki blockade and hostilities in the region. At a time when residents are already grappling with fear, insecurity, shortages of essential supplies, and restricted mobility, the reported actions of the Assam Rifles have allegedly worsened the suffering of ordinary people.
The organization alleged that Assam Rifles personnel stopped civilian movement without issuing any clear explanation, lawful order, or public notification justifying the restrictions. It further claimed that individuals attempting to document the incident through video recordings were allegedly threatened and intimidated by security personnel.
Calling the incident a serious violation of constitutional rights and democratic principles, Khanuithot-Khon stated that Article 19(1)(d) of the Constitution of India guarantees every citizen the right to move freely throughout the country, subject only to lawful and reasonable restrictions. Arbitrary obstruction of civilian movement without an officially declared curfew, prohibitory order, or lawful directive, the group argued, amounts to misuse of authority and undermines civil liberties.
The organization stressed that security forces deployed in conflict-affected regions are expected to safeguard civilians, ensure access to essential routes, and facilitate humanitarian movement rather than isolate vulnerable populations already affected by ethnic violence and instability.
It further asserted that the role of the Assam Rifles and other security agencies should include ensuring safe passage for civilians, preventing unlawful blockades by armed groups, maintaining uninterrupted movement of emergency services and essential supplies, and upholding neutrality and accountability during periods of crisis.
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“Instead, what transpired at Shangshak reflects a deeply troubling pattern of selective enforcement, suppression of civilian movement, and intimidation of the very people whom the forces are constitutionally mandated to protect,” the statement said.
The organization also raised objections to reports that civilians were allegedly threatened for recording the conduct of armed personnel in a public space. It argued that in a democratic society governed by the rule of law, citizens cannot be arbitrarily harassed for documenting public actions unless such recording is specifically prohibited under a legally valid security restriction.
Khanuithot-Khon maintained that if there had been any genuine security threat or operational concern necessitating temporary restrictions, the Assam Rifles should have coordinated with civil authorities and provided the public with a lawful explanation. “Silence, intimidation, and arbitrary restrictions cannot substitute due process and lawful procedure,” the statement added.
The organization has demanded an immediate clarification from the Assam Rifles regarding the legal basis for obstructing civilian movement at Shangshak and called for public disclosure of any written order or operational directive authorizing such restrictions. It also sought assurances that civilians affected by the crisis and blockade on NH-202 would be allowed safe and unhindered passage.
In addition, the group called for an impartial inquiry into the alleged intimidation of civilians and urged the Manipur government and relevant civil authorities to ensure that security forces operate strictly within the framework of the Constitution, humanitarian responsibility, and the rule of law.
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“The people cannot and must not be treated as enemies within their own land,” the organization stated, emphasizing that security forces are expected to stand between civilians and danger — not between civilians and their fundamental rights to movement, safety, and dignity.
The statement concluded by asserting that any force obstructing peaceful civilian movement without transparency, accountability, or legal justification must remain answerable before both the law and the people.