UKHRUL: More than 15 women protesters were allegedly lathi-charged by central security forces during a protest at Laho village in Manipur’s Ukhrul district in relation to the ongoing situation in the district.
According to eyewitness accounts, the incident occurred without prior warning, as security personnel moved in to disperse the gathering. Several women sustained injuries during the crackdown, with at least eight reported to be in serious condition and currently undergoing treatment at Ukhrul District Hospital.
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Thingreila R. Zimik (38), a mother of three from Chingjaroi Ngachaphung sustained severe head injury. She alleged that personnel from the Rapid Action Force (RAF) used excessive force. She claimed that officers snatched a torch held by the protesters and struck her on the head.
“They sprayed something into my eyes, causing a burning sensation, and my stomach became uncomfortable. When I turned around to step away, they hit me with the torch we were holding,” Zimik said while recounting the incident.
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She further alleged that no warning was issued before the use of force. “We were not warned, and I have never seen women being attacked like this by central forces,” she said, questioning the role of the deployed personnel. “The central forces were deployed to protect us. Why are they attacking us instead?”
Other protesters echoed similar claims, alleging the use of chemical irritants, electric shock devices, and polycarbonate lathis. One woman stated that security personnel carried short black rods that delivered electric shocks, leaving many women weak and disoriented.
“I was pushed by two men, and I fell. They hit me with their white sticks all over my body. My whole body is in pain,” another protester alleged.
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As of now, there has been no official statement from the authorities regarding the incident or the allegations made by the protesters.