Sit-in protests denounce military occupation of lands
Source: Chronicle News Service / R Lester Makang

Ukhrul, September 12 2022: Inhabitants of nine Tangkhul villages in Ukhrul and Kamjong districts on Monday voiced their discontent against the forceful occupation of their lands by troops of Assam Rifles during sit-in demonstrations held in their respective villages.

The sit-in protests were held simultaneously at nine villages, namely Khamasom, Chatric, Mapum, Poi, Tusom CV, Lamlang, Kasom Khullen, Ramphoi, and Kangpat Khullen where the Assam Rifles have allegedly forcibly occupied lands to set up their camps.

The demonstrations were organised by the respective villages under the aegis of the Tangkhul civil society organisations.

The villagers held banners inscribed with wordings like "Sit-in protest against the forceful occupation of 9 Tangkhul villages by the Assam Rifles", and further shouted slogans like "We are against the forceful occupation of our lands" .

The villagers said that they condemn the act of the Assam Riffles in occupying the lands and farms without consulting with the village authorities and the land owners.

Moreover, the troops are obstructing movement of the villagers who have to tend their fields on a daily basis.

The security forces are harassing the locals by subjecting them to checking during entry and exit within their localities, the villagers claimed.

Meanwhile, Tangkhul CSOs have announced a Mega Peace Rally in Ukhrul town on September 15 in continuance of the protest movement.

Issuing a statement iri this regard, the CSOs appealed for public cooperation and participation in the proposed rally being initiated by all the Tangkhul CSOs against the forceful occupation of land by the Indian Military Forces.

"In defending our land, which is our identity, we appeal to.

every Tangkhul to join us as one voice and together, let's safeguard our rights," it said.

At the same time, the Rally Organising Committee (ROC) said that it strongly condemned the manner in which the civilians are exposed to mistreatment and the continuous military atrocities.

"We demand the immediate repeal of AFSPA and thereby, dismantling of the (said) camps set up in the Tangkhul region".

Under the guise of AFSPA, the Indian Armed Forces (i.e., the Assam Rifles) have laid siege on our land by setting up their camps in nine villages since 1958, it said.

"It is questionable on the intent of the Indian Gov-ernment/State Government when AFSPA was removed from the Imphal Valley on March 31 this year, while three new AR Camps were set up in Tangkhul region on June 2, instead of revoking AFSPA in the hill regions of the state as well, " the committee added.

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