Ukhrul demands removal of AR
Source: The Sangai Express / Mungchan Zimik
Ukhrul, September 15 2022:
Several Tangkhul CSOs have sought immediate intervention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and international organisations to effect the removal of Assam Rifles from nine villages in Ukhrul and Kamjong and withdrawal of the controversial Armed Forces Special Power Act (AFSPA) from all hill districts of Manipur during a mega rally taken out at Ukhrul town, today.
A memorandum jointly signed by Tangkhul CSOs (Tangkhul Naga Long, Tangkhul Shanao Long, Tangkhul Naga Wungnao Long, Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong, Tangkhul Mayar Ngala Long, Ato Long-phang, Aze Longphang, Zingsho Longphang and Zingtun Longphang) has also been submitted to the Prime Minister to remove the Assam Rifles from the nine villages and withdraw AFSPA from hill districts through the Ukhrul Deputy Commissioner Krishna Kumar.
Copies of the memorandum have also been forwarded to Francisco Cali Tzay, UN Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and Secretary General of Asia Indigenous Peoples Pact (AIPP) Gam A' Shimray.
The mammoth rally began from two separate points (Dungrei junction and Mission Ground, Ukhrul) and they converged at Gandhi Chowk, Phungreitang in Ukhrul for a meeting.
The rallyists chanted slogans such as "Our land, our rights," "Withdraw AFSPA," "Honour human rights," "Go back Indian Army" etc.
TNL president David K' Shimray, in his keynote address, claimed that the Indian Army disregarding the Tangkhul customary law is an insult to human rights and Indian democracy.
He further claimed that forceful occupation of their lands by the Assam Rifles infringes on their rights and questioned the sincerity of the Indian Government in spite of the ongoing Indo-Naga political dialogue for peaceful settlement.
UNC president Kho John, in his solidarity message, narrated about the Naga political struggle for self determination.
According to him, GoI imposed AFSPA to suppress their rights.
'Our dream to be free from Indian domination can be achieved only when we stand together," he stated.
Naga Women's Union (NWU) president Asha Wungnam stated that she stands on behalf of 20 tribal women of Southern Nagalim and added that the forceful establishment of military camps in the district without the consent of the people is almost a declaration of war.
She said that NWU will continue to defend the rights of the Nagas It might be mentioned that the Assam Rifles had stationed themselves in nine villages Khamasom, Mapum, Poi, Tusom CV and Lamlang villages in Ukhrul district and Chatric, Kasom Khullen, Ramphoi and Kangpat Khullen (Kamdong) in Kamjong recently.
Later, TNWL president SA Ramnganing read out the memorandum submitted to the Prime Minister and international organisations.