TSL condemns AR for slapping woman leader, tribal womenfolk rescue NSCN-IM cadres from AR, again
Source: The Sangai Express / Mungchan Zimik

Ukhrul, September 11 2020: The Tangkhul Shanao Long TSL (Women League) president Veronica Zingkhai has condemned the 27 AR officer, who slapped a village woman leader today at Namrei village under Chingai Sub-division, Ukhrul.

The incident happened when the woman leader was struggling to rescue NSCN IM cadres from the hands of Assam Rifles.

Following the capture of three NSCN IM cadres today from a private resident in Namrei village, a scuffle between a troop of 27 AR, Ukhrul and womenfolk took place at around 5 am .

TSL condemns AR for slapping woman leader, tribal womenfolk rescue NSCN-IM cadres from AR, again

The scuffle lasted for more than two hours.

The womenfolk struggled to rescue the NSCN IM cadres, and this has provoked the AR officer to slap the local women leader.

Subsequently, the same woman leader also responded to the AR officer with a slap.

To take stock of the situation, a team of Tangkhul CSOs rushed to the village.

The irate locals staged a sit in protest denouncing the Assam Rifles for violating ceasefire rules, breaking SOPs of the State and raiding the village without prior information to the village authority.

Later, a meeting was convened in the village in the presence of the visiting CSOs leaders.

Veronica Zingkhai, president of Tangkhul Shanao Long strongly condemned the AR officers who slapped the women for 'undermining' women's rights.

She stated that the AR officer would be dealt with seriously as per the Tangkhul customary law.

Meanwhile, the Chairperson of Namrei village, Florence elaborated the details of the incident.

She said that Assam Rifles troop led by the Commandant of 27 AR captured the three cadres of NSCN IM by raiding a private residential place, following which, the womenfolk prevented AR troops from moving away, demanding the three cadres be released.

Later, the cadres were rescued from Assam Rifles.

The villagers also informed that one SBBL licenced rifle was found missing and demanded the same be returned to the owner immediately.

Meanwhile, the chairman of North Tangkhul villages, Dearson Chamroy lauded the womenfolk for rescuing the NSCN IM cadres.

Every individual should partake in defending and safeguarding our inherent rights from the dominant community, he added.

According to the villagers, more womenfolk from neighbouring villages gathered and urged the Assam Rifles troop to return to their base camp to avert further confrontation.