UKHRUL: The United Naga Council (UNC) and the All Naga Students’ Association Manipur (ANSAM) have condemned the actions of the Assam Rifles against the Naga civilians in Ukhrul District, where 22 women and a student leader were assaulted. The apex Naga bodies have also condemned the ‘unprovoked attack’ by Kuki militants on Pongringlong-1 village today, where a civilian, Chungjanglung Panmei, was killed.
In a press statement, the UNC stated that it strongly condemned the recent acts of violence and coercion perpetrated against Naga civilians by Assam Rifles on June 7. The council alleged that the Assam Rifles fired live ammunition and lathi-charged the women at New Haven, Shokvao, Finch Corner, and Shangshak village, resulting in serious injuries leading to hospitalization of 22 women. The AR personnel also reportedly assaulted M. Kasar, President of the Katho Student Organization.
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“The use of such excessive force against unarmed womenfolk exercising their democratic right to protest is unacceptable and alien to Naga culture. The UNC further condemned the illegal establishment of the Assam Rifles camp at New Haven without the prior permission or consent of the village headman and village authorities, in direct violation of the Manipur (Village Authorities in Hill Areas) Act, 1956, and asserts that no military camp shall be set up in Naga villages without the explicit consent of the village authority,” it stated. It also added that the incident reflects a growing pattern of state coercion against Naga civilians, where assault on unarmed womenfolk is used as a deliberate act of intimidation to suppress legitimate democratic expression, which will not be tolerated.
The UNC also strongly condemned what it deems as an unprovoked attack by Kuki militants on Pongringlong-1 village on 8th June 2026 in the morning, which led to the killing of Chungjanglung Panmei. “This cold-blooded murder of an innocent civilian is a grave violation of human rights and an attack on the Naga people as a whole,” it stated. The UNC then places several demands, including immediate judicial inquiry into the lathi charge and firing upon civilians, especially women, immediate withdrawal of the Assam Rifles camp from New Haven, and the arrest and prosecution of all personnel involved in the assault on unarmed women folks and M. Kasar. Village, and apprehending the killer of Chungjanglung Panmei, and giving befitting action as per the law of the land. The council further urges the Manipur and Central Governments to swiftly deliver justice to prevent further escalation.
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The ANSAM has also strongly condemned what it terms as an escalating pattern of violence, intimidation, abduction, and assaults perpetrated against innocent civilians across Naga territory. The student body also expresses outrage over the reported unprovoked, brutal attack and cowardly ambush upon Rongmei Naga Village Guards by Kuki armed militants at Charol Pandongba-l, which claimed one life. The ANSAM stated that the victim was collecting firewood along with others when they were allegedly subjected to a calculated and unprovoked attack, citing reports.
The ANSAM reported that the Indian Assam Rifles ‘shamelessly’ committed instances of inhuman behaviour under its draconian impunity of AFSPA against the Naga mothers and unarmed civilians who were peacefully and democratically protesting against the Government of India’s policy to forcefully establish their military outpost without the consent of the land owner, thereby disrespecting the Naga traditional law. “Such unruly nature and intimidation of the Indian Armed forces on student leaders and women folks exposed their colonialism intention, which the United Nations has witnessed in the course of the Naga National struggle for self-determination, with forceful suppression of public dissent constituting serious violations of democratic principles, customary rights, and human dignity,” it stated. “The alleged use of force against unarmed women and community leaders is wholly unacceptable in any society governed by the rule of law,” it added.
The ANSAM also stated that the incidents were not isolated and highlighted a disturbing continuum that includes the massacre of two Naga civilians at TM Kasom, the killing of three Church leaders from the Thadou community at Kotlen, the murder of a Chiru civilian at Jouzangtek, and the unresolved abduction of six Naga hostages by KNF(P), whose whereabouts and condition remain unknown to this day. “The continuing absence of justice, accountability, and decisive action has created a dangerous atmosphere of fear and uncertainty throughout the region, the ANSAM cautions, and stated that it is compelled to question the seriousness, sincerity, and competence of the Government of Manipur and the Government of India in addressing the prevailing crisis.
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The Association conveys its deepest condolences to the bereaved family of (Late) Chunjanglung Panmei and the community while extending its solidarity with all victims of violence and injustice. It further demanded that the Manipur government immediately institute impartial investigations into all reported incidents, establish the fate of the six abducted Naga hostages, ensure accountability for every act of violence and abuse, and restore public confidence through concrete and measurable action.