UKHRUL: The Makhan Area Chief Chairman Association, Manipur (MACCAM), has strongly condemned what it described as blatant, arbitrary and unconstitutional actions by personnel of the 8th Gorkha Regiment (8 GR), Leimakhong, during an incident that occurred on Saturday.
According to MACCAM, villagers from Samuk, Konsaram and K. Lungwiram were allegedly stopped and restrained at Chingmang, Leimakhong, while returning to their respective villages after attending a church conference. The association claimed that the civilians were illegally and forcibly halted by 8 GR personnel, allegedly acting under the influence and direction of certain Vaiphei elements operating in the Leimakhong area.
MACCAM termed it deeply disturbing that security personnel reportedly stated they could not open the gate due to the absence of “orders,” a remark the association described as shameful and an affront to constitutional authority. Such conduct, it said, undermines democratic principles and the rule of law, and is unacceptable in a constitutional democracy.
The association further alleged that the incident was deliberately orchestrated by a few Vaiphei elements with the intention of disturbing peace and triggering unrest in the region. It warned that partisan and unconstitutional behaviour by security forces poses a serious threat to public confidence and national integrity.
Calling for urgent action, MACCAM demanded immediate intervention by the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Government of Manipur to restore law, justice and constitutional order in the foothill areas.
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MACCAM also highlighted that bandh measures traditionally observed in Naga areas have consistently adhered to humanitarian norms, allowing exemptions for medical emergencies, religious activities, weddings, condolence programmes, airport travel and students appearing for examinations. The association alleged that the complete disregard for these established ethical norms by certain groups in the Leimakhong area reflects lawlessness and moral decay.
In response to the incident, MACCAM announced the imposition of a strict and indefinite total bandh on all forms of movement within its jurisdiction, with immediate effect, describing it as a proportional and retaliatory measure.