UKHRUL: In the aftermath of a multi-pronged attack by suspected Kuki National Army-Burma (KNA-B) forces at the Indo-Myanmar border in Manipur on Tuesday, one Naga woman is reportedly still missing. Additionally, villagers in the area have called for the removal of the Assam Rifles stationed in Ashang Khullen under Kamjong District, Manipur.
Ukhrul Times reporter took stock of the three villages where the attack occurred in the early hours of Thursday at around 4:10 AM, targeting Wanglee Market, Namlee, and Choro villages. During the assault, several houses in the three villages were set ablaze.
A Naga woman, identified as Olina Ningshen from Kangpat village, remains missing along with three Burmese refugee families who had sought shelter at Wanglee Market.
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Another Tangkhul civilian, Zingran Ningshen, who was reported missing, reached home at Wanglee village at around 7:30 PM, bringing much relief to the residents. He is the secretary at the Wanglee Market and was feared held captive since his home was completely burned to ashes by the attackers, and his whereabouts were not known during the day. He clarified that he was not abducted but had escaped when the assailants came toward his home.
The National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN-IM), stationed in the area, reportedly retaliated against the attackers, leading to their withdrawal. There have been no reported injury or casualties among the Naga Army. However, witnesses indicated that the attackers may have sustained injuries, as they were heard shouting “I am hit” in the Kuki language, and blood stains were found along their escape route.
The heavily armed attack on the Naga villages, utilizing sophisticated weapons and lathode bombs, led to a fleeing of the local population to Wanglee village, located approximately five kilometers away from Namlee village and Wanglee Market. Many residents are Vaipheis and Myanmar nationals who have been taking refuge in the area since the onset of conflict in Myanmar.
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Eyewitnesses reported significant looting by the attackers, who stole two gypsy vehicles, cash, phones, and multiple motorbikes, in addition to destroying homes and shops.
Additionally, in a serious allegation, villagers have claimed that the Assam Rifles, particularly personnel from Bungdung and Ashang Khullen, were involved in the incident. They reported that the Assam Rifles conducted a spot inquiry on Wednesday around 2:00 PM and expressed concerns over suspicious movements of security forces before the attack. Given the circumstances surrounding the incident, the villagers have demanded the immediate removal of the Assam Rifles outpost at Ashang Khullen village.
The Assam Rifles personnel are stationed at Ashang Khullen village, a few kilometres above the villages, directly overlooking them. Namlee village, Wanglee Market, Kengseng (the trade center of Ashang Khullen village), and Choro are located in proximity along the Indo-Myanmar border. However, the trade center of Ashang Khullen was not attacked, raising further suspicion about a possible connection between the Assam Rifles and the suspected Kuki armed group.
However, the Tangkhul civil bodies, including the Tangkhul Naga Aze Longphang and Tangkhul Aze Katamnao Long, have sought the support of the Assam Rifles in finding the missing persons.
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Following the attack, many residents, particularly the Myanmarese Vaiphei and Myanmar nationals, have sought shelter in Wanglee village, approximately four kilometers from the area. They are being provided with food and shelter by the Wanglee Tangkhul village, the Tangkhul Naga Civil Society Organizations, along with other Tangkhul supportive villages. Currently, there are over a hundred refugees, including children, young adults, elderly individuals, and senior citizens.
Reliable sources have indicated that Leishiyo Keishing, the concerned MLA, is scheduled to visit the area today to assess the situation.