UKHRUL: The National Socialist Women’s Organisation of Nagalim (NSWON) has condemned the Assam Rifles’ alleged use of force against Tangkhul Naga women who staged a protest at Shokvao (New Haven) in Ukhrul district on June 7.
In a statement issued on Monday, NSWON described the action as a crackdown on a peaceful democratic protest and alleged that personnel of the 40 Assam Rifles, led by Col. Sunil Singh Lunthi, had intruded into areas governed by Naga customary institutions.
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According to the NSWON, the protest was organised by Tangkhul Naga women to oppose what they termed as the “unlawful intrusion” of the Assam Rifles into the area. NSWON said the demonstrators were exercising their democratic right to voice concerns over the conduct of security forces in areas where customary laws and institutions remain in place.
“Their assembly was not an act of confrontation but a lawful, peaceful assertion of accountability, dignity and respect for customary jurisdiction,” the statement said.
The NSWON further alleged that repeated disregard for customary authority and local protocols by security forces could deepen mistrust and create unnecessary tensions between the Assam Rifles and Naga communities.
Condemning any alleged use of force, intimidation or coercion against women protesters, NSWON said such actions were inconsistent with democratic principles and the standards expected of security forces.
The National Socialist Women’s Organisation of Nagalim also called for a transparent and impartial inquiry into the incident and demanded that those responsible for any excesses be held accountable.
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Urging the Assam Rifles to exercise restraint and respect established customary institutions, NSWON said peace could not be sustained through unilateral actions but through consultation, mutual respect and recognition of the historical realities of Naga areas.
The NSWON then expressed solidarity with the women of Shokvao and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the dignity and rights of the Naga people.
