UKHRUL: Following a multi-front attack on three Naga villages in Kamjong along the Indo-Myanmar border on May 7, villagers have accused Myanmar-based armed groups, the Kuki National Army-Burma (KNA-B) and the People’s Defence Force (PDF), of carrying out the assault. They have also made serious allegations against the Indian security forces, particularly the Assam Rifles, claiming their involvement in the attack.
The Assam Rifles, on the other hand, claimed to have conducted rescue operations and patrolling to ensure peace and security.
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Phungreingam Asari, the village chief of Choro village, stated in a media interview that the attack was executed by the KNA-B and PDF. He asserted that these allegations are based on eyewitness accounts and statements from the perpetrators. “They identified themselves as KNA-B and PDF and presented video footage of previous incidents where their cadres were killed by the NSCN, vowing to avenge it,” he said. He further alleged that the attackers wore uniforms with red badges and tied the tips of their weapons with red ribbons.
Asari described the attackers’ formation, stating they encircled the area in a C-formation during the assault. He maintained that although the attack occurred inside India, the Assam Rifles, who were present, did not intervene. He expressed suspicion regarding the Assam Rifles’ involvement, mentioning they heard gunshots from their side too. He also pointed out a recent increase in Assam Rifles’ visits to the village, stating that they used to check the border pillars only once every few months, but recently, had begun visiting 4-5 times in a single week.
Further, Asari reported that just two days before the attack, the Assam Rifles had surveyed the area using drones. He also added that the KNA-B and PDF are stationed close to the village and claimed to have restricted the Assam Rifles’ movement because he believes they are aiding the KNA-B and PDF. He recounted an incident where, after being woken up at night by the Assam Rifles, he reprimanded the security forces and asked them to refrain from visiting the village.
Asari also mentioned that two Kuki villages, Yangnom and Saribo, located approximately 3-4 kilometers away, reportedly harbor KNA-B and PDF cadres. He appealed to Tangkhul and Naga civil societies for assistance in removing the Assam Rifles, as the villagers have lost trust in them. He expressed gratitude to the Tangkhul civil society organizations for stationing Naga Village Guards in the region.
Similarly, villagers from Namlee and Wanglee have voiced suspicions about the Assam Rifles, accusing them of complicity in the attack and demanding their removal from the border areas. They have requested the presence of state security forces during the Manipur Home Minister’s visit on Saturday.
When questioned by the Ukhrul Times reporter about these allegations, the Home Minister responded that they would investigate the matter. Regarding foreign aggression, he stated that the term had not been mentioned in the official report, but the government is looking into it, and if such a thing emerges, he assured that they will bring up the matter with the Union Ministry of Home Affairs and the Defence Ministry.
It is important to note that bullet shells inscribed with Indian bullet numbers were reportedly recovered from Namlee village, where the attack also occurred. When pressed on this during a media interaction, the Home Minister remarked that, following the looting of many arms and ammunition from the state armory, one or two may be linked to this attack, but confirmed that a determination cannot be made at this time. He assured them that they would look into it.
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Meanwhile, the Assam Rifles released a statement on May 8, claiming that they conducted a rescue operation to protect the villagers. They reported that fifteen distressed villagers, including women and children, were safely rescued and provided with humanitarian assistance at the Aloyo Assam Rifles camp. The statement also noted that a Myanmarese woman from Namlee received immediate first aid and was evacuated by medical personnel.
Additionally, the Assam Rifles reported conducting rapid area sanitization operations to prevent further escalation and restore stability. During search operations, they apprehended one armed cadre along with an AK-47 rifle, a magazine, and ammunition, which were subsequently handed over to local police authorities. They added that the Assam Rifles are continuing patrols in sensitive areas of Kamjong district to ensure security and peace for residents.
On the other hand, following claims that the Assam Rifles had rescued Olina Ningshen, the woman initially reported missing and allegedly abducted during the May 7 attack, fresh revelations have emerged. In a video statement now circulating on social media, Olina Ningshen clarified that was not kidnapped by the KNA-B.
The Tangkhul woman from Kangpat Khunao village stated that she had inadvertently entered Kuki-inhabited territory while fleeing for safety from Namlee market, where she had gone to sell her goods. She said she was treated with kindness and respect, adding that none of her belongings, including her cash, were touched.
The coordinated assault on the three villages on May 7 resulted in the burning of several houses and the looting of properties, including vehicles, cash, motorbikes, and other valuables.