UKHRUL: Two civilians were critically injured in separate incidents at Talui and Hoomi on Saturday, following an alleged confrontation involving Assam Rifles personnel and local volunteers.
The Working Committee of the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) accused Assam Rifles of “reckless” action and condemned what it described as the use of force against civilians.
Per TNL, the situation began in the morning at Hoomi Vokngayar, where women volunteers stopped two Assam Rifles vehicles along the Ukhrul–Tadubi road and asked the personnel to show identification. The vehicles were held briefly while local leaders were being informed.
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The apex body of the Tangkhul Naga tribe in Manipur said that later in the day, around 1 pm, another Assam Rifles convoy, including a Casspir vehicle, moved towards Talui.
At Talui, women had put up a barricade at the village gate. TNL alleged that the convoy drove through the barricade, causing panic among the crowd. In the incident, Rose Vashum (47) sustained serious head injuries and was later referred to Imphal for treatment.
The convoy then moved towards Hoomi Vokngayar, where another group of volunteers tried to stop them. TNL claimed that security personnel fired to disperse the crowd. During the incident, Mashunphong Zingkhai (32) was hit by a bullet and is reported to be in critical condition.
Sources told Ukhrul Times that a metal object, later identified as a bullet, was found lodged at the back of Mashunphong Zingkha skull as per X-ray reports. It was successfully removed at District Hospital Ukhrul.
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The convoy, as per TNL press statement reportedly turned back before reaching Hoomi Vokngayar after information came that the earlier detained personnel had already been allowed to proceed.
TNL has demanded action against those involved and said such incidents have increased fear among local residents. It also reiterated that security forces should inform civil society bodies before moving through sensitive areas.
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