Flash shutdown alleges AR excesses
Source: Chronicle News Service

Tamenglong, March 15 2024: An emergency total shutdown was imposed at Longmai Bazar, Noney town by Rongmei Naga Council Manipur (RNCM) against alleged indiscriminate firing at Makuai (Atengba) village in Tamenglong district on Thursday.

"As per the executive decision made in the aftermath of the incident on March 14, 2024 at Makuai (Atengba) village in Tamenglong district, on which troopers of 6th Assam Rifles had a tussle with the village folks and the subsequent indiscriminate firing, which is highly condemnable, Rongmei Naga Council Manipur declares total shutdown in all the Rongmei inhabited areas on March 15, 2024, as solidarity against such injustice," an order issued by the RNCM said.

"Rongmei Naga Students Organisation Manipur (RNYOM) is given full authority to carry out the said declaration at their discretion, however, the progress should be kept informed to the RNCM Central Committee," the order added.

Students appearing for the HSLC exam, and those related to electricity, medical, fire department, marriage and religious duties, media were exempted from the purview of the declaration.

The total shutdown from 12 noon till 6 pm covered all Rongmei-inhabited areas, including Tamenglong district, Noney district headquarters and National Highway-37, Nungba, Khoupum, Jiribam and some parts of Imphal.

All shops and markets were immediately closed down and there was no any untoward incident happened until the completion of this report.

Meanwhile, Manipur Naga Youth Organisation (MNYO) expressed distress over alleged indiscriminate firing upon innocent women of Makuai village in Tamenglong district by troopers of 6 Assam Rifles.

The incident occurred during a peaceful protest organised by a group of women to prevent paramilitary personnel from disrupting the ongoing training of the village defence force.

In a statement, MNYO emphasised the urgent need for creation of a village volunteer force to safeguard communities amidst the civil war-like situations engulfing the state.

The organisation highlighted the potential escalation of ethnic conflicts, posing a grave threat to the Naga-inhabited districts of the state.

MNYO underscored the failure of the state machinery and the collapse of law and order, which has left civilians vulnerable to violence.

In the light of these circumstances, village defence forces have been established across Naga-inhabited areas of the state to protect lives, land, and resources.

It lamented the tarnishing of the Assam Rifles' longstanding reputation, dating back to its establishment in the Lushai hills in 1835 during the British era, by the recent act.

While historically known as the "Friends of the hill people" for its contributions to maintaining law and order, border security, and counter-insurgency operations, the recent actions of 6 Assam Rifles have cast a shadow on its legacy, it stated.

The organisation condemned the unprovoked firing upon peaceful women protesters, denouncing it as a cowardly and reckless act that undermines democratic values.

Furthermore, MNYO criticised the Assam Rifles' alleged involvement in the ongoing ethnic conflict in Manipur, calling for accountability and swift action from the Government of India.

The statement reiterated MNYO's solidarity with the people of Makuai, who have been subjected to unjust mental anguish and torment.

The organisation urged higher authorities to address the situation promptly and unequivocally condemn the actions of the 6th Assam Rifles, emphasising the importance of upholding peace and justice in the region.

It also informed that MNYO remains committed to advocating for the rights and welfare of Naga communities in the state while demanding a thorough investigation into the incident at Makuai village.

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